EU Demands 'TikTok' Modify Content Ranking Mechanism - Sarmad

The European Commission called on the Chinese platform TikTok on Friday to make fundamental changes to its content-ranking mechanism, known as the “content algorithm,” warning that it could impose substantial fines under the EU’s Digital Services Act.

In preliminary findings from its investigations, the Commission stated that the platform’s recommendation system may expose children and other vulnerable groups to content harmful to mental health by repeatedly suggesting videos similar to those the user has previously interacted with, a phenomenon known as the “black hole” effect.

It explained that the algorithm relies on user engagement metrics, such as watching and liking videos, to intensify the display of similar content, including material related to sadness, isolation, body image, and weight loss. This can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and low self-esteem, and worsen certain psychological and eating disorders.

The European Commission found that the measures TikTok has taken to mitigate these risks, including content diversification tools and the “Not Interested” option, have not been sufficiently effective, as the algorithm still prioritizes watch time over users’ desire to reduce the visibility of certain content.

In this regard, the Commission urged TikTok to rely more heavily on users’ explicit preferences, eliminate watch time as an indicator for content recommendations, make it easier to access and use control tools, and conduct regular tests of the algorithm.

This move comes as the EU tightens its oversight of major digital platforms to protect children from the risks of harmful content and designs that encourage excessive use. Earlier, in February, the Commission had asked TikTok to modify features it considered addictive, and in July it accused the platform of exposing children to the risks of cyberbullying and exploitative behaviors.