Alpha News

Alarm over 'Addictive' TikTok: EU Measures, Control Mechanisms and Risks for Minors

Published February 10, 2026, 09:39

A pan-European debate is underway regarding the dependence on TikTok and its potential negative effects, especially for minors. Savvas Chatzichristofis, Vice-Rector of Neapolis University, explained on the Alpha Enimerosi show that the European Commission has expressed warnings about the addictive practices of digital platforms, such as TikTok. The Commission is concerned about how the platform is designed to be addictive, affecting users physically and mentally. Mr. Chatzichristofis mentioned that interaction with the digital world is regulated through four EU acts: the Digital Services Act, the Digital Market Act, the GDPR, and the AI Act. The Digital Services Act obliges platforms to assess and mitigate systemic risks. The Commission warns that the artificial intelligence algorithms used by these platforms can map user preferences and target them with specific content. Furthermore, the Commission believes that age verification mechanisms are insufficient to protect minors, leading some countries to consider banning access to social media for individuals under the age of 16. However, parents can take steps to limit the time their children spend on these platforms, using apps that allow access control. Mr. Chatzichristofis warned that this situation could extend to other platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook, opening “Pandora’s Box” for the entirety of online platforms. The Commission is examining ways to address the growing influence of algorithms and protect users from the negative consequences of addictive social media use.