TikTok under fire from the EU. Brussels points to the danger of "rabbit holes"

The European Commission has preliminarily found that TikTok's recommendation system may violate the Digital Services Act by promoting harmful content through its algorithm. This "rabbit hole" effect can negatively impact users' mental health, especially minors, by repeatedly exposing them to distressing topics. TikTok has not adequately assessed the risks associated with its algorithm, which prioritizes engagement signals like viewing time over user preferences. The Commission suggests TikTok should modify its "For You" section to better reflect user choices and reduce the influence of viewing time. If confirmed, TikTok could face penalties up to 6% of its annual global revenue.