EU bans 'infinite scroll' under Digital Services Act
The European Union has begun enforcing a ban on “addictive design patterns” like infinite scrolling under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The regulation has forced social media platforms including TikTok and Meta to redesign their user feeds. The move is part of the DSA's broader effort to target social media addiction and reform platform governance.
- The regulation empowers the European Commission to levy fines of up to 6% of a company's global annual turnover for non-compliance. For a company like Meta, this could translate to a penalty of nearly $8 billion. - These rules specifically apply to "Very Large Online Platforms" (VLOPs) and "Very Large Online Search Engines" (VLOSEs), defined as those having over 45 million monthly active users within the EU. Designated platforms include Meta, TikTok, YouTube, and X. - The DSA defines prohibited "dark patterns" as interface designs that distort or impair a user's ability to make autonomous and informed choices. The Commission's preliminary findings against TikTok identified its infinite scroll and personalized recommender system as features that could push users into an "autopilot mode," constituting an addictive design. - VLOPs must conduct annual risk assessments on how their system designs, including algorithmic recommender systems, contribute to systemic risks like negative effects on mental and physical well-being. These assessments are subject to independent audits. - The DSA began to apply to the largest platforms in August 2023, with full applicability for all digital services starting on February 17, 2024. The European Commission has already opened formal proceedings against TikTok, signaling active enforcement. - Beyond interface design, the regulation mandates that large platforms offer users at least one recommender system option not based on profiling, such as a chronological feed. It also introduces a complete ban on targeting advertisements to minors.
