The European Commission has accused TikTok of failing to properly assess and reduce the risks linked to its “For You” recommendation algorithm. In preliminary findings announced on November 6, 2026, EU regulators warned that repeatedly recommending similar videos could create harmful “rabbit holes,” particularly when users are exposed to sensitive content involving mental health, sadness, isolation, or body image.
The European Commission, which oversees digital rules across the EU, says TikTok has not taken enough steps to reduce the risks created by its recommendation system. According to the Commission’s November 6 preliminary findings, the concerns mainly involve TikTok’s popular “For You” feed, which automatically recommends videos based on users’ interests, viewing activity, and interactions.
One of the biggest problems identified by regulators is the “rabbit hole” effect. This happens when TikTok repeatedly recommends similar videos after a person watches, likes, or interacts with certain content. Over time, users may see a growing number of videos about the same subject, making it difficult to move away from that type of content. User engagement is also important for content visibility on TikTok, as explained in TechBonafide’s guide to TikTok engagement metrics.
European regulators are particularly worried about videos involving sadness, loneliness, body image, and other sensitive subjects. They believe that repeatedly showing this material could negatively affect some users, especially children and teenagers. The concern is that TikTok’s algorithm may continue promoting similar content without giving enough attention to its possible effects on mental well-being.
The investigation is taking place under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires major online platforms to assess and reduce risks associated with their services. The law places additional responsibilities on large social media platforms, including protecting younger users, increasing transparency, and addressing potential harmful effects linked to their recommendation systems.
According to the preliminary findings, TikTok has not implemented sufficient measures to prevent users from repeatedly receiving potentially harmful recommendations. Although the platform already offers features such as a “Not Interested” button, European regulators believe its existing controls are not effective enough to reduce harmful recommendation loops. The Commission wants TikTok to introduce stronger safeguards, make user controls easier to access, and regularly test whether changes to its algorithm actually reduce these risks.
The European Commission wants TikTok to place greater importance on users’ explicitly stated interests instead of relying so heavily on their viewing behavior. Regulators have also called for changes to how viewing time influences recommendations, so watching one type of video does not automatically lead to a continuous stream of similar content. Other proposed improvements include more accessible user controls and regular testing of the recommendation system to identify potentially harmful patterns.
TikTok could face a substantial financial penalty if the European Commission ultimately confirms a violation of the Digital Services Act. Under the law, fines for non-compliance can reach up to 6% of a company’s total worldwide annual turnover, depending on the seriousness and circumstances of the violation. However, the November 6 findings are preliminary, and no fine has been imposed in connection with these latest accusations.
TikTok has the right to review the evidence and respond to the European Commission’s preliminary findings before a final decision is made. Regulators will consider the company’s response and the available evidence before deciding whether further enforcement action is necessary. Depending on the outcome, TikTok could be required to change how its recommendation system operates for users in the European Union.
This is not the first time TikTok has faced regulatory concerns about its platform design. In its February 2026 preliminary findings, the European Commission questioned features such as infinite scrolling, automatic video playback, push notifications, and highly personalized recommendations. While those earlier findings focused on potentially addictive app design, the November 6 findings specifically address the harmful “rabbit hole” effect associated with TikTok’s recommendation system.
The EU is also examining recommendation systems used by other major social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. Similar concerns about addictive platform features have appeared outside Europe. In the United States, Meta has faced a separate legal battle over social media design, including allegations that Instagram and Facebook encourage excessive engagement among younger users. These cases show how regulators and courts are increasingly examining the effects of social media algorithms.
For TikTok users, the latest development does not mean the app will immediately stop working or that its recommendation system will change overnight. However, the investigation could eventually lead to stronger content controls, improved safety features, and changes to how videos appear in the “For You” feed. The issue also reflects growing international attention to online safety, with countries such as Australia introducing under-16 social media restrictions aimed at limiting younger users’ exposure to potentially harmful online experiences.
The case highlights a growing challenge for social media companies: keeping their platforms useful and engaging while protecting users from potentially harmful content. As European regulators continue their investigation, TikTok’s response and any future changes to its recommendation algorithm will be closely watched across the technology industry.
