The European Union launches investigation into TikTok for potential breach of online content regulations
The European Union is initiating an inquiry into whether ByteDance-owned TikTok has violated regulations on online content that are designed to safeguard children and ensure transparent advertising practices. This move could result in substantial penalties for the social media platform if found guilty.
EU industry leader Thierry Breton made the announcement after reviewing TikTok’s risk assessment report and responses to information requests. The probe will focus on various aspects, including addictive design, screen time limitations, age verification, and default privacy settings.
Under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into effect on February 17 and pertains to all online platforms, large platforms and search engines are required to take additional steps to combat illegal online content and threats to public security. If TikTok is determined to have violated DSA regulations, its parent company, ByteDance, may face fines amounting to up to 6% of its global revenue.
In response to the investigation, TikTok expressed its commitment to collaborating with professionals and industry peers to ensure the safety of young users on its platform. The social media platform emphasized its efforts to implement features and settings that protect teenagers and prevent individuals under the age of 13 from accessing the platform.
The European Commission will focus the inquiry on TikTok’s platform design, specifically examining algorithmic systems that could contribute to behavioral addictions and the creation of ‘rabbit hole effects.’ Additionally, it will assess whether TikTok has implemented sufficient measures to uphold a high level of privacy, safety, and security for minors.
Aside from child protection concerns, the Commission will evaluate TikTok’s transparency in providing information about advertisements on its platform, enabling researchers to assess potential online risks. This investigation marks the second instance of a DSA inquiry, following a similar probe into Elon Musk’s social media platform X last year.
For more information on this topic, click here to read the full article.