The European Commission declared that it has come to a preliminary finding that TikTok has breached the Digital Services Act (DSA) because of the “rabbit hole” impact generated by its recommendation system.
“Whenever a user browses videos on TikTok or ‘likes’ any, the algorithm presents even more related content, drawing the person into a sort of ‘rabbit hole’ that can be hard to exit,” stated Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission.
The Commission observed that TikTok’s feed offers users “an ongoing flow of tailored videos, featuring material related to subjects like mental health and body image.”
The greater the user’s engagement with a certain kind of content, the more forcefully the feed algorithm showcases comparable content. “These mechanics can pose risks if they result in the continuous consumption of content connected to, for instance, personal struggles, feelings of loneliness, or concerns about physical appearance.” These “rabbit holes” can significantly impact users’ mental well-being—especially for vulnerable adults and minors,” the statement reads.
In its risk evaluation, the EC came to a preliminary finding that TikTok “did not perform a sufficient analysis of how its recommendation algorithm could lead users into such ‘rabbit holes,’ thus endangering their well-being.”
The document additionally indicates that TikTok “has not enacted appropriate, reasonable, and efficient measures to address these risks.” Even though the company has already deployed several tools aimed at reducing the “rabbit hole effect,” the European Commission views them as ineffective.
TikTok now has the chance to assert its defense rights. The firm might examine the documents in the European Commission’s investigation file and provide a written reply to its initial conclusions. Simultaneously, discussions will occur with the European Board.
source: reuters.com
