Fine of up to 6% of revenue: Europe targets TikTok's algorithm itself and threatens

The dispute between TikTok and the European Union over the content recommendation algorithm has entered a new phase, with the platform now having the opportunity to review the investigation evidence and respond officially before the Commission's final decision. It may face a fine of up to 6% of its global revenue.

The dispute between TikTok and the European Union over the content recommendation algorithm has entered a new phase, in which the platform now has the opportunity to review the investigation evidence and respond officially to the allegations against it, before the European Commission makes its final decision on a possible violation of the Digital Services Act. The Commission clarified that the next phase allows TikTok to review the investigation file and submit a written response to its findings, in parallel with consultation with the European Board for Digital Services. The platform may face a fine of up to 6% of its total annual global revenue if the proceedings confirm the violations. The Commission had announced preliminary findings concluding that the recommendation system used on the "For You" page may violate the law, due to an effect known as the "rabbit hole," which pushes users to continuously watch similar content. According to the Commission, increased user engagement with a certain type of video prompts the algorithm to suggest more similar content, even when it comes to sensitive topics such as grief, isolation, body image, and mental health. It warned that repeated exposure to such content could negatively affect mental health.