The European Union has commenced an inquiry into TikTok to ascertain whether the platform contravened the EU’s rigorous recent digital regulations tailored towards securing internet users’ safety. In a statement released on Monday, the executive arm of the EU- The European Commission, affirmed that it had initiated formal actions to evaluate if TikTok violated last year’s Digital Services Act (DSA).
The DSA constitutes an all-inclusive structure of regulations designed to ensure the protection of online users, encompassing provisions for simplifying the process of reporting illicit or offensive content (e.g. hate speech), proffering alternatives to algorithmic suggestions and precluding targeted ads directed at minors.
The commission has expressed particular worry regarding TikTok’s effectiveness in dealing with the “systemic risks” that stem from its design. This includes a focus on their use of “algorithmic systems,” which may ultimately contribute to creating addictive user behavior. They have observed that measures such as age verification tools, created for preventing minors from accessing unsuitable content, might not be deemed sufficient and effective enough to meet standards set for them by being reasonable and proportionate.
“The safeguarding of minors online is crucial,” declared Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the EU’s internal market. He stressed that TikTok, a platform widely used by children and teenagers, must fully cooperate with DSA regulations concerning minors’ protection as it plays a significant role in this area. To ensure young Europeans’ mental and physical safety regarding their use of social media platforms like TikTok, we have launched formal infringement proceedings.”
In response, TikTok stated that it has incorporated several tools and configurations to safeguard teenagers and restrict access to the platform for users below 13 years of age. The organization emphasized its dedication towards collaborating with professionals and industry members in prioritizing young people’s safety on their app while happily accepting the opportunity to elaborate further on their initiatives before the Commission.
Apart from the worries over TikTok’s safeguarding procedures for children, the EU is also scrutinizing its privacy policies towards minors. It is reviewing whether or not there is transparency in relation to advertisements and if it gives research personnel access to their data as well.
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Under the DSA, almost two dozen significant online and social media platforms have been identified by the EU – TikTok included. These are subject to rigorous scrutiny, with severe financial penalties for any non-compliance. The bloc is investigating X (formerly known as Twitter), owned by Elon Musk, over transgressions that include their inability to control illicit content dissemination.
