The Commission has preliminarily found that TikTok's recommender algorithm breaches the DSA because of its ‘rabbit hole’ effect

On 6 November 2026 the Commission preliminarily found TikTok in breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA) because of the so-called rabbit hole effect of its recommender system. The more a user interacts with a certain type of content, the more similar content the algorithm of the ‘For You’ feed recommends. Where the content concerns sadness, isolation or body image, this can harm mental health, especially that of vulnerable adults and minors.

According to the Commission, TikTok did not adequately assess these risks and its mitigation measures are not effective. For example, the algorithm prioritises viewing time over the user's explicit choice to see less of certain content. TikTok should therefore redesign the feed: rely more on users' explicit preferences, stop using viewing time as a signal for recommendations, make user controls more accessible and test its algorithm regularly.

TikTok may now examine the file and reply in writing. If the Commission confirms its findings, TikTok faces a fine of up to 6% of its worldwide annual turnover.