On Nov. 6, 2026, the European Commission reportedly issued preliminary findings in a Digital Services Act (DSA) investigation into TikTok’s recommendation system. The concern, as described by Gizmodo and Merca2, is that repeated recommendations could lead users into loops of similar content.
What the reported concern covers
Gizmodo described the Commission’s concern as involving viewing activity, likes and scrolling that could prompt more similar recommendations. The risks discussed included repeated exposure to content involving body image, isolation, and mental or eating disorders. These were presented as potential risks associated with the recommendation system.
Gizmodo also relayed, from The Guardian’s reporting, that TikTok rejected the Commission’s account and defended its safety measures and user controls.
What Article 66 means for the case
Article 66 of the DSA allows the Commission to initiate proceedings with a view to possible decisions under Articles 73 and 74. In the reported case, the findings were preliminary, and Merca2 reported that TikTok could respond before a later decision. The statutory process therefore distinguishes preliminary findings from a possible subsequent decision. Read Article 66 of the Digital Services Act.
Under the DSA, preliminary findings and a possible later enforcement decision are distinct stages.
The reported 6% figure
Gizmodo and Merca2 reported a possible fine of up to 6% of global annual turnover. That figure is a potential ceiling for a penalty, not a penalty announced as part of the preliminary findings.
