EU issues preliminary findings against TikTok over recommendation algorithm

The European Commission says TikTok’s recommender system can repeatedly direct users toward similar, potentially harmful videos, and that its safeguards have not adequately addressed the risks. TikTok can respond to the findings and propose changes; the company could face a fine of up to 6% of global annual turnover if the matter is not resolved.

• The Commission’s preliminary findings say TikTok did not sufficiently assess or mitigate the risk that personalized recommendations could lead users into repeated streams of similar content.· 2 sources
• The Commission highlighted possible mental-health effects from repeated exposure to videos about sadness, isolation, body image, or mental-health struggles.· 2 sources
• The regulator says TikTok should give greater weight to explicit user preferences, improve user controls, and test its recommendation system regularly.· 2 sources
• TikTok can examine the evidence, defend its practices, and offer remedies; the reports say a fine could reach 6% of annual global revenue or turnover.· 2 sources
• The findings are part of a wider EU inquiry into TikTok; the Commission is also separately examining recommendation systems on Facebook and Instagram.· 1 source