TikTok's "addictive design" is in breach of European Union law, according to preliminary findings published by the European Commission on Friday.

It said addictive features included infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications and TikTok's own "highly personalized" content recommendation system.

The European Commission also alleged TikTok failed in adequately assessing "how these addictive features could harm the physical and mental wellbeing of its users, including minors and vulnerable adults."

According to the commission, the constant flow of content puts "the brain of users into 'autopilot mode'," potentially resulting in compulsive behavior and reducing users' self-control.

To adhere to the EU's laws, the video-based platform would need to "change the basic design of its service" through "disabling key addictive features… implementing effective 'screen time breaks', including during the night, and adapting its recommender system."

The European Commission's Vice President Henna Virkkunen said social media addiction could have "detrimental effects" on the minds of children and teens, adding that Europe will enforce its legislation "to protect our children and citizens online."

TikTok vows to fight accusations

TikTok responded to the findings on its design by saying they are "categorically false."

The social media network will be able to exercise its right of defense and reply to the findings, with their confirmation potentially resulting in a fine of up to six percent of its owner ByteDance's total global annual turnover.

"We will take whatever steps are necessary to challenge these findings through every means available to us," a TikTok spokesperson said in a statement.

This comes as the EU implements a series of powerful laws to govern social media and technology companies operating in its 27 member countries, also known as the Digital Services Act, which entered into force in 2022.

One of the prominent examples of social media networks being sanctioned under the DSA came in December, as Elon Musk's X was fined 120 million euros (141.5 million dollars) for transparency violations, which resulted in criticism by the US government.

Other social media networks were charged with DSA breaches, including Meta-owned Facebook and Instagram.

Edited by: Zac Crellin