The European Union (EU) has indicated that the social media giant had infringed the Digital Services Act (DSA) as a result of its "addictive" set-up.

The European Commission explained that TikTok, which is used by over a billion users around the globe, had not sufficiently assessed how its design could harm the physical and mental wellbeing of users such as children and vulnerable adults.

By continuously "rewarding" users with new content, the commission ruled that the platform fuelled constant scrolling and shifted the brains of users into "autopilot mode" - leading to compulsive behaviour and a reduction of users' self-control.

The preliminary ruling also accused TikTok of neglecting indicators of compulsive use, such as the amount of time children spend using the app at night.

The commission confirmed that it is considering forcing the Chinese-owned company to make changes to the design of the app, including alterations to the powerful algorithm that pushes content in the direction of users.

It said in a statement: "At this stage, the commission considers that TikTok needs to change the basic design of its service.

"For instance, by disabling key addictive features such as 'infinite scroll' over time, implementing effective 'screen time breaks', including during the night, and adapting its recommender system."

The commission argued that TikTok's safety regime seemed to be inadequate, pinpointing the screentime management and parental control tools as not doing enough to combat the risks posed by the app's addictive design.

The screentime management features were ruled as too easy to dismiss and parental controls were seen as time-consuming to install, according to the preliminary ruling.

The commission explained that its preliminary views did not prejudge the outcome of the investigation and TikTok would have the chance to challenge its findings.

DSA breaches can result in a fine of up to six per cent of the company's annual turnover and the imposition of remedies such as app redesign.

TikTok declared that it had rejected the commission's findings.

A spokesperson for the social media company said: "The commission's preliminary findings present a categorically false and entirely meritless depiction of our platform, and we will take whatever steps are necessary to challenge these findings through every means available to us."