The European Commission has issued preliminary findings accusing TikTok of breaching the European Union's Digital Services Act through its recommendation algorithm, which regulators say can expose users to repeated streams of harmful content and create potentially damaging online experiences.
The findings, announced on Friday, November 6, 2026, focus on the platform's personalised For You feed, which recommends videos based on users' viewing behaviour, interactions and interests. Regulators argue that the system can repeatedly expose users to similar material, creating what has been described as a harmful algorithmic rabbit hole.
According to the Commission, users who interact with videos about sadness, isolation, body image or mental health struggles may receive increasing amounts of similar content. Repeated exposure could affect users' wellbeing, particularly children, teenagers and other vulnerable individuals.
The investigation found that TikTok had not implemented proportionate, reasonable and effective measures to address the risks associated with its recommendation system. Regulators also questioned whether the platform's existing user controls provide sufficient protection against harmful content recommendations.
European Commission officials have called on TikTok to change the design of its For You feed to give users greater control over the material recommended to them. Proposed measures include placing more emphasis on users' explicit preferences rather than relying heavily on viewing time and engagement patterns.
The Commission also wants the platform to make its controls easier to access and use, while regularly testing its recommendation system to identify and reduce potential risks.
EU technology chief Henna Virkkunen said the repeated recommendations could lead users into rabbit holes that are difficult to escape, calling for stronger efforts to protect users, including minors.
The preliminary findings form part of a wider investigation into TikTok's compliance with the Digital Services Act, which requires major online platforms to assess and reduce systemic risks associated with their services.
The legislation allows the European Commission to impose penalties of up to 6% of a company's global annual turnover for serious violations. TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, could therefore face a substantial financial penalty if the Commission eventually establishes an infringement and the matter is not resolved.
However, the latest announcement does not represent a final ruling. TikTok will have an opportunity to examine the findings, respond to the allegations and propose changes before the Commission reaches a final decision.
The development comes amid growing international scrutiny of social media recommendation systems and their potential effects on mental health, particularly among younger users.
The Commission is also examining similar concerns involving Meta's Facebook and Instagram recommendation systems, indicating that regulatory pressure could extend beyond TikTok as European authorities increase oversight of algorithm-driven platforms.
The next stage will depend on TikTok's response and whether the company agrees to introduce changes that address the concerns raised by European regulators.
