EU Launches Probe Into TikTok Compliance

The European Union (EU) has taken action, officially launching an investigation into TikTok’s operations. This probe aims to scrutinize whether the social media giant is adequately safeguarding minors on its platform and assess other potential violations of the EU’s Digital Services Act.

Announced by a spokesperson for the EU’s executive arm on Monday, the investigation will delve into TikTok’s features, systems, and policies to determine if they align with the regulations outlined in the Digital Services Act. One key focus is assessing whether TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, is fulfilling requirements to prevent content addiction among users and protect the privacy and safety of minors.

Specifically, the EU will evaluate TikTok’s age verification tools designed to restrict access to inappropriate content for children. Initial indications suggest concerns regarding the effectiveness and proportionality of these measures.

Additionally, the investigation will examine TikTok’s transparency concerning advertisements on its platform and the accessibility of its data to researchers. The EU seeks to ensure that TikTok maintains a level of openness and accountability in its operations.

In response to the investigation, a TikTok spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, highlighting its efforts to develop features and settings aimed at protecting teens and preventing underage users from accessing the platform. TikTok expresses readiness to engage with the EU to provide detailed explanations of its safety measures.

Under the Digital Services Act, social media companies operating in the EU, particularly those with significant user bases, are obligated to adhere to strict guidelines to uphold individuals’ rights online. With nearly 136 million monthly active users in the EU, TikTok falls under this regulatory framework.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant penalties, including fines of up to 6% of a company’s annual global revenue. This underscores the seriousness of the EU’s commitment to enforcing digital regulations and ensuring accountability among tech giants.

This investigation into TikTok marks the EU’s second formal probe into a major social media company in recent months, following a similar action against another unnamed company in December. The EU’s thorough examination underscores its dedication to upholding digital standards and protecting users within its jurisdiction.