HomeLearnQuizHabitsSafetyInsightsSessionsAboutSign-in
CYBERPSYCHOLOGY

Screen Sense

Cyberpsychology | Digital Wellbeing
ContactAboutQuizCoachingArticlesTypesHome
Close
HomeLearnQuizHabitsSafetyInsightsSessionsAboutContact
Back to Articles
February 7, 2026
News

European Union says video app TikTok must change ‘addictive’ design

A

uthorities in the European Union said that the video-sharing platform TikTok is in breach of online content regulations, warning the company to change “addictive” features in order to protect minors from compulsive use.

The European Commission shared the preliminary conclusions of a probe into TikTok on Friday, stating that features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and a personalised recommendation algorithm encouraged addiction.

“TikTok has to take actions and they have to change the design of their service in Europe to protect our minors,” EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen told reporters.

European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said the “measures that TikTok has in place are simply not enough”.

“These features lead to the compulsive use of the app, especially for our kids, and this poses major risks to their mental health and wellbeing,” Regnier said, stating that the app is in violation of the Digital Services Act.

Read the full article on Al Jazeera.

You might Also Like

News

Social media bans and digital curfews to be trialled on UK teenagers

The test, led by the UK government, will see 300 teens have their social apps disabled entirely, blocked overnight or capped to one hour's use - with some also seeing no such changes at all - in order to compare their experiences.

Read More
Watch

NZ Herald - Under the Influence Series

The Under the Influence series is a six-part NZ Herald documentary that investigates how today's digital technologies - particularly social media, algorithms and AI - are shaping the lives of young New Zealanders. Rather than focusing solely on screen time, it explores the psychological design of digital platforms, the attention economy, online harms, mental health, body image, addictive design and the emerging influence of AI companions.

Read More
News

Australia to double maximum penalty for platforms in breach of social media ban

The Australian government has announced it will double the maximum penalty for breaches of the nation's social media minimum age law to $99m (£51.7m). As part of the updated legislation, the eSafety Commissioner will also be able to compel social media companies to provide evidence of what steps they have taken to comply with the ban.

Read More
Seeking support for your digital wellbeing?

Screen Sense Sessions

Screen Sense offers personalised one-to-one support to help you better understand your digital habits and make practical, lasting changes to the way you use technology.

Sessions >
About us

Understand digital wellbeing through cyberpsychology. Screen Sense explores the psychology behind gaming, social media and digital technology through evidence-based articles, courses and practical insights for adults and young people (16+).

Navigation
HomeLearnQuizHabitsSafetyInsightsSessionsAbout
Contacts
Based in New Zealand
[email protected]
+64 27 707 1467
CONTACT us
Send Message
Copyright Screen Sense Limited 2026
Cyberpsychology | Digital Wellbeing