The EU Commission says TikTok’s ‘rabbit hole’ effect can pose harm to users.
The EU Commission says TikTok’s ‘rabbit hole’ effect can pose harm to users.
by Emma RothNov 6, 2026, 2:00 PM UTCIllustration by Nick Barclay / The VergeEmma Roth is a news writer who covers the streaming wars, consumer tech, crypto, social media, and much more. Previously, she was a writer and editor at MUO.The European Commission claims TikTok broke its online platform rules by offering a recommendation algorithm that creates a “rabbit hole effect” on users. In an announcement on Friday, the regulators allege TikTok’s algorithm can harm users with “endless and repeated exposure” to content related to sadness, isolation, or body image.
