Commission preliminarily finds TikTok’s ‘For You’ feed breaches DSA over harmful ‘rabbit hole’ effect

What happened

The European Commission has preliminarily concluded that TikTok violates the Digital Services Act by exposing users to a continuous stream of personalised videos that can lead to harmful ‘rabbit holes’, especially concerning mental health and body image. The Commission’s findings focus on the platform’s risk assessment and required mitigation measures. The breach concerns both vulnerable adults and minors.

Why it matters for trust and compliance

• Its status is announced. It is not law yet. Track it, but do not treat it as an obligation.
• The finding signals heightened regulatory scrutiny of algorithmic recommendation systems under the EU’s DSA, with potential obligations for large online platforms.
• It relates to DSA. The regulations library explains what that law requires.

Who is affected

Recommended actions

1. Inventory AI or automated decision systems in scope and their assessments.
2. Review age assurance and protections for minors' data.