In brief
On 6 November 2026, Brussels issued an order compelling TikTok to rectify its For You feed, which the EU says creates dangerous “rabbit holes” that trap users, particularly minors. The Commission warns that failure to comply could trigger fines of up to 6 % of the platform’s EU‑wide revenue, while TikTok rejects the findings as inaccurate and points to existing safeguards.
On 6 November 2026, the European Union issued a formal order demanding that TikTok overhaul the algorithm that powers its “For You” feed, after Brussels’ preliminary findings indicated that the system repeatedly surfaces content on sadness, isolation and body image, thereby creating what the EU calls harmful “rabbit holes.”
The directive, issued in Brussels, cites breaches of the Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU’s new framework for regulating online platforms. It warns that TikTok may face penalties of up to 6 % of its EU revenue if the requested changes are not implemented in a timely manner. Executive Vice‑President Henna Virkkunen said the platform’s recommendation system “serves more of the same whenever a user scrolls or likes a video, leading users down rabbit holes they cannot easily escape from.”
Virkkunen stressed that the algorithm’s design must be adjusted to protect users’ well‑being, with particular emphasis on safeguarding minors. She added that the European Commission will monitor TikTok’s compliance closely, a move that follows earlier investigations in French, Spanish and English jurisdictions aimed at reducing cyberbullying and deteriorating mental health among younger audiences.
TikTok’s response was swift and unequivocal. In a statement released the same day, the company described the Commission’s findings as “fundamentally inaccurate” and announced that it had already implemented changes to mitigate risks. TikTok highlighted its “strong record of user safety and control” and rejected the notion that its algorithm encourages endless scrolling.
The European Commission’s order is part of a broader effort to enforce the DSA, which requires digital platforms to prevent the spread of harmful content and to introduce measures such as deeper content moderation and clearer transparency about how recommendations are made. The Commission also noted that various EU member states have introduced bans on social media for users under the age of 15, adding a layer of regulatory pressure on the platform’s “For You” feed.
After the Brussels directive, TikTok pledged to conduct an internal audit of its recommendation engine and to consult with civil society groups that advocate for safer online experiences for minors. It also committed to making “transparent” changes that adjust the weight of certain content signals to reduce the likelihood of users being trapped in content loops that produce negative emotional responses.
Meanwhile, the Commission has made clear that any delay in compliance will trigger fines. While the exact calculation of such fines remains uncertain, the potential maximum at 6 % of EU revenue underscores the severity of the alleged violations. TikTok is expected to file a formal response within the statutory period set by the Commission.
In light of these developments, industry observers are monitoring how other platforms respond, given that the DSA is scheduled for a full rollout across the EU next year. The focus remains on whether the new requirement will reshape algorithmic recommendation engines across the continent, or if TikTok’s challenges will provide a roadmap for future regulatory negotiations.
Uncertainty remains about the precise timeline for the implementation of the required changes, the thresholds the EU will use to assess compliance, and the eventual scope and size of the fines should TikTok fail to meet the Commission’s demands. The debate continues as to whether TikTok’s current safeguards are sufficient or require deeper structural reform to align with the Digital Services Act’s objectives.
