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The European Commission has formally declared TikTok’s "addictive design" features illegal under the Digital Services Act (DSA), citing significant risks to minors and vulnerable users. Regulators specifically targeted the platform's infinite scroll, autoplay mechanics, and recommendation algorithms, signaling a potential crackdown that could result in fines reaching 6% of the company's global revenue.
Key Developments
- EU Ruling: Regulators demand TikTok disable infinite scroll and overhaul recommendation systems to protect minors.
- Antitrust Probe: The DOJ has issued a subpoena regarding Netflix's proposed $72 billion acquisition of Warner Discovery Studios.
- Autonomous Tech: Waymo is utilizing DeepMind’s Gen3 AI model to simulate virtual driving environments.
- Market Moves: Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek purchased the AI.com domain for a reported $70 million.
- Space Innovation: NASA will allow astronauts to use personal smartphones on upcoming missions starting with Crew 12.
EU Crackdown on Algorithmic Design
In a significant move to enforce the Digital Services Act, the European Commission stated that TikTok deliberately designed its platform to foster addiction without adequately considering the risks to its younger user base. The Commission has explicitly called for the removal of features such as infinite scroll and autoplay, noting that current screen time tools and parental controls are "insufficient" to mitigate the psychological risks.
The regulator's findings suggest that the platform's core engagement loop violates EU safety standards. TikTok has pushed back against these claims.
"The findings are false and meritless," a TikTok spokesperson stated regarding the Commission's report.
This regulatory pressure is part of a broader global trend targeting digital safety for minors. Simultaneously, regulators in Egypt are coordinating a ban on the gaming platform Roblox, citing the need to protect children's moral values and reduce psychological risks.
AI Integration and Autonomous Systems
Beyond regulatory hurdles, the tech sector continues to integrate advanced AI into consumer and industrial products. Waymo announced it is leveraging DeepMind’s Gen3 AI model to create realistic virtual driving environments. This "world model" allows robotaxis to train on rare, dangerous scenarios via synthetic camera and LiDAR data, reducing reliance on real-world mileage.
In the consumer space, Apple is reportedly opening its CarPlay interface to third-party AI chatbots. According to Bloomberg, this update would allow drivers to interact with services like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude directly through their vehicles, moving beyond the limitations of Siri. However, Apple has scaled back its internal "Health Coach" AI project, with Services Chief Eddy Cue deeming the original plan uncompetitive. Instead, features will likely be folded into the existing Health app.
On the investment front, The Financial Times reports that Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek has acquired the domain AI.com for approximately $70 million. The purchase supports the launch of a new decentralized platform designed to host billions of self-improving AI agents capable of handling tasks ranging from messaging to stock trading.
Antitrust Scrutiny and Infrastructure Pauses
The media landscape faces potential upheaval as the U.S. Justice Department investigates Netflix over its proposed $72 billion acquisition of Warner Discovery Studios and HBO Max. A civil subpoena reviewed by The Wall Street Journal indicates investigators are concerned the deal could entrench monopoly power. The DOJ is also reviewing rival bids from Paramount.
Meanwhile, physical infrastructure for the digital age is facing legislative headwinds. New York lawmakers have proposed a three-year moratorium on data center development, citing climate impacts and rising energy costs. This bipartisan move sees New York joining at least five other states currently pushing for similar pauses on data center expansion.
As the industry navigates these regulatory challenges, NASA is modernizing its approach to spaceflight. Administrator Jared Isaacman announced that starting with the Crew 12 and Artemis 2 missions, astronauts will be permitted to use personal smartphones in space to capture and share content, marking a departure from relying solely on specialized legacy equipment.
