内容来源：https://lifehacker.com/tech/eu-regulators-might-change-tiktok?utm_medium=RSS

内容总结：

欧盟初步认定TikTok违反《数字服务法》，或面临运营调整与高额罚款

欧盟委员会于2月5日发布初步调查结论，指出TikTok的"无限滚动"、自动播放、推送通知及算法推荐等功能可能对用户身心健康造成危害，尤其影响未成年人及易受影响成年群体，涉嫌违反欧盟《数字服务法》。调查认为，该平台未能充分评估这些成瘾性设计带来的风险，且现有屏幕时间管理和家长控制功能"易于关闭、效果有限"。

根据程序，TikTok可对调查结论进行辩护。若最终被认定违规，其母公司字节跳动可能面临最高达全球年营业额6%的罚款，并需调整在欧运营模式，包括可能限制"无限滚动"功能、优化推荐算法及增设夜间使用提醒等。目前TikTok已回应称欧盟的指控"完全错误且缺乏依据"，并表示将采取必要措施应对。

值得注意的是，此次监管行动虽针对欧洲市场，但其影响可能波及全球版本。由于技术架构的关联性，欧盟要求的算法调整或间接影响其他地区用户体验。此外，美国版TikTok虽已独立运营，但仍从字节跳动获得算法授权，未来可能面临连锁调整。

对于用户而言，现阶段可通过应用内设置启用"STEM知识频道"、设定屏幕时间限制及家庭配对功能，以自主管理使用习惯。欧盟监管最终结果尚需经过法律程序确定，具体整改方案及时间表仍未明确。

中文翻译：

如果你曾不幸与我一样下载过TikTok，很可能经历过这样的夜晚：漫无目的地滑动屏幕直到凌晨两三点，甚至不清楚自己究竟想看什么。欧盟认为这种情况必须改变——该机构初步认定这款"令人上瘾"的应用违反了《数字服务法案》。

这项裁决于2月5日公布，源于欧盟委员会对无限滚动、自动播放、推送通知及传说中的TikTok算法等功能对用户心智影响的调查。调查结果显示："TikTok未能充分评估这些成瘾性功能可能对用户（包括未成年人和易受影响的成年人）身心健康造成的危害。"随之而来的可能是一场漫长的法律博弈，最终或迫使该应用调整运营模式，并面临巨额罚款。虽然表面影响似乎局限于欧洲，实则可能引发全球连锁反应。以下是TikTok在欧洲面临的现状及后续发展要点。

何为《数字服务法案》？TikTok如何违规？

欧盟《数字服务法案》于2022年生效，主要针对电商平台和社交媒体等日常网络服务进行监管。TikTok兼具双重属性自然受到审查，不过涉事主体可能与你想象的不同——监管矛头指向的是TikTok原所有者字节跳动，而非美国版应用的新控股方。这是因为字节跳动仍在海外运营TikTok，尽管美国用户也可能感受到欧盟监管的余波。

该法案核心在于提升平台透明度、保障用户对内容审核决策的抗辩权、加强未成年人保护，以及本案关键的非算法推荐与暗黑交互模式。欧盟于2024年启动调查，主要担忧该应用诱发用户的"信息茧房效应"及未成年人使用安全。初步调查指出，该应用"持续用新内容'奖励'用户"，推送的视频"不断刺激滑动欲望，使用户大脑进入'自动驾驶模式'"。

监管机构援引科学研究佐证其主张（虽未附具体文献）。笔者已联系欧盟委员会置评，获得回复后将更新本文。无论欧盟依据何种研究，支持该论断的学术成果确实不胜枚举。美国国立卫生研究院早前已在该应用中"识别出关键成瘾相关因素"，多所大学研究发现TikTok"无缝衔接的体验"与"奖励机制"易促使用户沉迷。科学家将刷新视频的刺激感类比赌博——内容质量的不确定性使用户不断追寻下一个爆款，宛如操作老虎机。

欧盟指出"TikTok忽视了强迫性使用应用的重要指标"，特别是未成年人夜间使用及用户频繁重新打开应用的行为。尽管委员会承认该应用现有屏幕时间管理与家长控制功能，但仍认为这些措施远远不够。

TikTok会取消无限滚动功能吗？

欧盟委员会调查认为，TikTok当前应对"信息茧房效应"的工具亟待改进。监管方指出，现有时间管理工具"易于关闭且限制力度薄弱"，削弱了实际效果；而"家长控制功能因需要家长投入额外时间与技能才能生效，可能效果不彰"。

监管机构表示，若调查结果被确认，该应用必须通过调整运营模式采取更直接的措施。具体方案可能包括"逐步禁用'无限滚动'等功能"及"调整推荐系统（即算法）"。换言之，监管方建议TikTok放弃其核心盈利模式。此外，委员会还提出实施"屏幕使用时间中断机制"的可能性，特别是"夜间时段"。

这些将是重大变革，但需注意所有结论仍属初步阶段，用户距离看到实际调整尚需时日。根据程序，TikTok现可进行辩护，查阅调查文件并回应调查结果。由于未设定明确时间表，此过程可能持续较长时间。例如苹果公司仍在就涉嫌违反《数字市场法案》与欧盟博弈，而Meta直到近期才解决2024年的类似诉讼。

这意味着欧洲用户暂不必担心失去核心功能。不过若最终裁定违反《数字服务法案》，TikTok可能面临最高达"全球年营业额6%"的罚款（具体由监管机构裁量），金额将高达数十亿美元。若拒不整改继续违规，还可能招致追加处罚。

TikTok方面向《金融时报》表示："委员会的初步结论是对我们平台完全错误且毫无依据的描述"，字节跳动将"采取一切必要措施"应对该裁决。笔者已联系TikTok欧洲运营方，获回复后将更新本文。

对美国有何影响？

美国读者或许认为本土应用不会受欧盟监管波及，但事实可能相反。为不同市场设计差异化产品需耗费时间与资金，而TikTok未必愿意投入。例如苹果产品全球改用USB-C接口正是源于欧洲监管压力。

当然，苹果在全球由同一母公司控股，而TikTok美国业务的新控股方或可免受海外变更影响。但值得注意的是，欧盟主要质疑点在于TikTok算法（即"推荐系统"）——美国运营方目前仅从字节跳动获得授权而非完全自主拥有。海外进行的任何调整都可能波及美国版应用，特别是考虑到美版TikTok与全球版保持部分同步，美国用户除本土内容外，还能观看欧洲超2亿用户及其他地区发布的视频。

需要明确的是，欧盟委员会要求TikTok整改的倡议远未尘埃落定。即使最终裁定违规，平台也可能在满足法案要求的过程中经历长期拉锯，最终解决方案或比委员会昨日新闻稿中的建议更为缓和（可以预见TikTok将为保留无限滚动功能全力抗争）。例如谷歌自2023年起持续与欧盟磋商《数字市场法案》合规细节，相关调整至今仍在完善中。

如何启用TikTok屏幕时间管理与家长控制

个人认为欧盟的监管方向确有可取之处。我们确实需要提醒机制来避免深夜沉迷TikTok的信息茧房。在监管措施正式落地前（且不确定无限滚动等功能最终是否保留——值得注意的是Instagram Reels尚未因此受监管），以下是利用现有管理功能的方法：

首先关于算法控制。这是欧盟指控的关键，但目前仍有几种方式可调控内容推送。默认"推荐"页面完全由算法主导，但打开应用后向右滑动可切换至另外三种信息流："朋友"页显示好友及推荐账号视频，"关注"页展示已关注账号内容，这两种都一目了然。第三种"STEM"信息流则需要手动开启。

该页面仅推送科学、技术、工程、数学类教育视频。开启方式：点击应用右下角个人头像，选择右上角三横线菜单，进入"设置与隐私">"内容偏好"，开启"STEM信息流"。该操作不会移除其他信息流，但会在主菜单增加可滑动切换的选项。

其次是屏幕时间管理与家长控制。相关功能位于"设置与隐私">"时间与健康"（屏幕时间管理）及"设置与隐私">"家人配对"（家长控制）。"时间与健康"页会显示上周日均使用时长及冥想相关活动，但核心控制功能位于日均使用时长图表上方的"屏幕时间"按钮。此处可设置每日限额、睡眠时间及休息提醒——不过正如欧盟委员会所言，这些设置很容易被忽略。

"家人配对"功能更为强大（笔者非家长用户未曾深入体验）。通过该功能可查看子女屏幕时间、设置不可跳过的限制，还能管控其可联系对象及隐私安全设置。详细指南可点击此处查阅。

最后，即使不设时间限制且只使用"推荐"页，仍可进行精细调整。在"设置与隐私">"内容偏好"中，可设置屏蔽含特定关键词的视频/帖子、向算法反馈对某类话题的兴趣度、屏蔽特定账号，甚至重置"推荐"页算法。还可开启"限制模式"，隐藏平台认为"不适合所有受众"的内容。

优质替代平台及迁移方案

若现有控制功能仍不足，或不愿接受监管导致的平台变更，现在已有相当数量的替代应用可供选择。Instagram Reels是明显选项，近期流行的Upscrolled则宣称"让每条内容获得平等曝光机会"，这对受算法困扰的用户颇具吸引力。更早的替代品RedNote由中国开发商星吟信息技术运营，曾在早期TikTok封禁风波中积累人气，不过近期声量有所减弱。

英文来源：

If you've ever joined me in the misfortune of downloading TikTok, you've probably spent at least one evening mindlessly scrolling until two or three in the morning, not even looking for anything in particular to watch. According to the EU, that needs to change, as the region has preliminarily determined that the "addictive" app is in violation of its Digital Services Act.
The decision came on Feb. 5 and followed an investigation from the European Commission into the effects that features including infinite scrolling, autoplay, push notifications, and the fabled TikTok algorithm have on the minds of users. According to the commission's findings, "TikTok did not adequately assess how these addictive features could harm the physical and mental wellbeing of its users, including minors and vulnerable adults." What will follow is likely a lengthy legal battle that could end up with the app having to either change how it operates and/or pay a hefty fine. And while it sounds like the effects would be limited to Europe, they could have global ramifications. Here's what's going on with the state of TikTok in Europe, and what you need to know about what comes next.
What is the Digital Services Act, and how did TikTok break it?
The EU's Digital Services Act started being enforced in 2022, and generally focuses on regulating everyday online platforms, including marketplaces and social media apps. As TikTok is both of these in one, it falls under the act's scrutiny, although it might not be the TikTok you're thinking of. Specifically, the target here would be original TikTok owners ByteDance, rather than the new ownership for the American version of the app. That's because ByteDance continues to operate TikTok outside of the United States, although Americans might still see some fallout from the EU's regulation.
The Digital Services Act's main focuses are on increased transparency, the ability to fight content moderation decisions, protections for minors, and most relevant in this case, non-algorithmic feeds and dark patterns. The EU's investigation into the app began in 2024, with regulators being concerned about the app encouraging a "rabbit hole effect" among viewers, as well as how secure the app might be for minors. According to the investigation's preliminary findings, the app is "constantly 'rewarding' users with new content," sourcing videos that "fuel the urge to keep scrolling and shift the brain of users into 'autopilot mode.'"
The regulators bring up scientific research to back up their claims, although specific papers are not linked. I've reached out to the European Commission for comment and will update this post when I hear back. Whatever the EU's sources, however, there is no shortage of research supporting this claim. The NIH has previously "identified key addiction-related factors" in the app, and a number of universities have found that TikTok's "seamless experience" and "reward pattern" can encourage reckless engagement. Scientists have compared the thrill of pulling up a new video to gambling, as the variable quality of the surfaced content leaves viewers seeking the next big hit, similar to a slot machine.
According to the EU, "TikTok disregarded important indicators of compulsive use of the app," specifically regarding nighttime use from minors, as well as users frequently coming back to the app after closing it. While the Commission does acknowledge the app's existing screen time management and parental control features, the organization also argues that these aren't enough.
Will TikTok get rid of infinite scrolling?
According to the European Commission's investigation, TikTok's current tools for combatting the "rabbit hole effect" need to be changed. The regulators say that the app's current time management tools "are easy to dismiss and introduce limited friction," which reduces their effectiveness, while "parental controls may not be effective because they require additional time and skills from parents to introduce the controls."
Regulators say that, if their findings are confirmed, the app must take more direct measures by changing how it operates. Examples for how to achieve this include "disabling features such as 'infinite scroll' over time" and "adapting its recommender system," aka algorithm. In other words, regulators are suggesting that TikTok get rid of its bread and butter. In addition, the Commission also brings up the possibility of implementing "screen time breaks," especially "during the night."
Those would be some pretty major changes, but it's worth noting that all of this is still preliminary, which means it will be a while before users see any changes stemming from this regulation. As part of the process, TikTok may now defend itself, examining the Commission's investigation files and replying to its findings. No timeline is given here, meaning this could drag out for a good while. For instance, Apple is still fighting with the EU over supposed Digital Markets Act violations, while Meta only recently resolved a similar action from 2024.
That means any TikTok users in the EU who are worried about losing access to key features needn't worry quite yet. However, if TikTok is found guilty of violating the Digital Services Act, it could face a fine of up to 6% of its "worldwide annual turnover," although this is up to the discretion of regulators. That would, however, add up to billions of dollars, and continuing to act in violation of the act rather than making changes could result in further fines.
On TikTok's end, the app told The Financial Times that "The Commission's preliminary findings present a categorically false and entirely meritless depiction of our platform," and that ByteDance will "take whatever steps are necessary" to fight the decision. I've reached out to TikTok's European ownership, and will update this post when I hear back.
How will this affect the U.S.?
While U.S.-based readers might think that their apps will remain clear from any EU regulatory changes, that may not be the case. Designing different products for different sections of the market takes time and money, and that's time TikTok might not be willing to spend. For instance, Apple's global move to USB-C in its products stemmed from European regulation as well.
Granted, Apple is owned by the same parent companies worldwide, so it is possible TikTok's new U.S. ownership might not be affected from changes elsewhere. However, it's worth noting that one of the EU's bigger issues is with TikTok's algorithm, or "recommender system," which the U.S. ownership currently licenses from Bytedance rather than owning outright. Any changes made overseas could bleed their way into our app on this side of the pond as well, especially as U.S. TikTok does maintain some parity with global TikTok, allowing American viewers to watch videos from the more than 200 million users in Europe, in addition to other areas around the world.
That said, the European Commission's early calls for TikTok to change its operations are far from finalized. Even if TikTok is found guilty, it will likely enter a long back-and-forth while attempting to meet the Digital Services Act's requirements, and the solution the company and regulators land on could end up looking less severe than what the Commission suggested in yesterday's press release (I imagine TikTok will fight hard for infinite scroll). For instance, Google is still working with the EU on the specifics of ensuring its services comply with the DMA, a process that began in 2023 and is still being fine-tuned.
How to turn on TikTok's screen time management and parental controls
From a personal perspective, I do think the EU is onto something here. I could certainly use some reminders to avoid getting sucked into a TikTok rabbit hole, especially late at night. While it might be some time until any regulation affects the TikTok app, and we don't yet know if features like infinite scroll will still be in place (although it's worth noting that Instagram Reels has not been targeted on this front) once the dust settles, here's how to take advantage of TikTok's current screen time and algorithm management features.
First, algorithmic control. This is a big part of the EU's case against TikTok, but there do currently exist a few ways to control what pops up on your feed. While the default For You page leaves you at the app's whims, there are three other feeds you can access by swiping right after opening the app. The first, Friends, shows you videos from your friends or from suggested accounts. The second, Following, shows you videos from accounts you follow. Pretty self-explanatory. The third one, though, needs to be turned on.
Called STEM, this feed only shows you educational videos about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. To turn on the STEM feed, tap your profile icon at the bottom right of the app, then hit the three-lined menu icon in the top right corner. Navigate to Settings and privacy > Content preferences and toggle on STEM feed. This won't get rid of any of your other feeds, but it'll now be an option you can swipe to on the main menu.
Next, screen time management and parental controls. There are a number of options for each of these, with screen time management living under Settings and privacy > Time and well-being and parental controls under Settings and privacy > Family Pairing.
The Time and well-being section will show you show you your daily average screen time over the last week alongside some meditation-related activities, but the real crux of the controls are in the Screen time button, which sits right above your average screen time graph. Here, you can set daily limits, sleep hours, and reminders to take breaks, although like the European Commissions says, there are easily dismissed.
Family Pairing is a bit more powerful, although not being a parent, it's something I haven't toyed around with. It lets you see your child's screen time and set limits they can't dismiss, as well as restrict who they can message and what their privacy and safety settings are. For a more detailed guide, click here.
Finally, even if you don't set any screen time limits and stick purely to your For You feed, there is some fine tuning you can do. Under Settings and privacy, tap Content preferences. From here, you can set the app to filer out videos or posts that contain that word in any text-based fields, tell the algorithm how interested you are in certain topics, mute specific accounts, or even refresh your For You feed to have the algorithm start over fresh. You can also turn on Restricted mode, which will hide content that TikTok deems as not "comfortable for all audiences."
What are the best TikTok alternatives, and how do I move?
If those controls still aren't enough for you, or the idea of regulators changing how TikTok works isn't what you're looking for, there are now a sizable number of TikTok alternatives you can try instead. Instagram Reels is the obvious one, although a popular recent choice is Upscrolled, which promises "every post has a fair chance to be seen," something that's been encouraging to users put off by the TikTok algorithm. An older alternative is RedNote, which is run by Chinese developer Xingyin Information Technology. It gained some popularity during early TikTok ban scares, although I'll admit I haven't heard of it as much recently.