EU says TikTok's For You feed breaks the Digital Services Act

What happened. On November 6 the European Commission said it preliminarily found TikTok in breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The issue is the 'rabbit hole' effect: when the For You algorithm sees someone watching or liking videos on one topic, it serves more of the same. When the topic is painful, such as weight loss, body image, sadness or isolation, an endless stream can harm mental health, especially for minors and vulnerable adults.

The complaints. The Commission points to two things. First, TikTok did not adequately assess how its algorithm pulls people into these streams. Second, the measures TikTok already has are not effective in the Commission's view. Diversity features barely cut repeats, and the 'not interested' button may not change the feed, because the algorithm weighs viewing time above the user's choice.

What the regulator wants. At this stage the Commission says TikTok should change the design of the feed: rely more on users' explicit preferences, stop using viewing time as a signal for recommendations, make user controls easier to use and test its algorithm regularly.

What comes next. TikTok can read the case file and reply in writing. If the Commission confirms its view, it can adopt a non-compliance decision with a fine of up to 6% of the company's worldwide annual turnover. This is part of a wider probe: preliminary findings on addictive design came in February 2026 and on the protection of minors in July. Reuters notes TikTok called the earlier findings 'categorically false'. Preliminary findings do not prejudge the outcome.

Hechos confirmados

• On November 6, 2026 the European Commission preliminarily found TikTok in breach of the Digital Services Act over the 'rabbit hole' effect of its For You feed.^[1][2]
• The Commission says TikTok did not adequately assess the risk and its mitigation measures are not effective; the 'not interested' button may not change the feed.^[1]
• The Commission says TikTok should rely more on explicit user preferences, disable viewing time as a recommendation signal and test its algorithm regularly.^[1][2]
• If the findings are confirmed, a fine can reach up to 6% of the company's worldwide annual turnover.^[1][2]
• In the same proceedings, preliminary findings on addictive design came in February 2026 and on protection of minors in July 2026.^[1]
• The Commission is separately investigating the same effect in Facebook and Instagram recommendations.^[2]

Implicaciones

• ConfirmadoThe decision is not final: TikTok can reply and propose changes.
• Nuestra lecturaIf the Commission forces watch time out as a signal, engagement and ad revenue from short video in the EU could fall. This is our view.
• Nuestra lecturaSimilar demands may reach other platforms with algorithmic feeds, including Instagram. This is our view.

Todavía no se sabe

• When the Commission will reach a final decision
• How large any fine would be
• What feed changes TikTok will offer

A quién afecta

European Union, Global. TikTok users and parents, creators and advertisers, social media investors

Fuentes

1. European Commission: Commission preliminarily finds TikTok's 'For You' feed in breach of Digital Services Act for harmful 'rabbit holes' effect 6 de noviembre de 2026 · oficial
2. Reuters (via Ledger-Enquirer): EU charges TikTok over harmful algorithmic 'rabbit hole' effects 6 de noviembre de 2026 · medios