The European Union has officially initiated an investigation against TikTok to examine potential shortcomings in youth protection on the popular video-sharing platform. This action marks another step by the EU under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which imposes strict rules on large internet platforms. EU Commissioner for Industry Thierry Breton emphasized TikTok’s responsibility in reaching millions of children and teenagers and stressed the need to ensure their safety on the internet.
The investigation against TikTok follows similar actions taken against other technology companies such as Twitter and Meta (formerly Facebook and Instagram), which were also targeted for violations of DSA regulations. Twitter was formally investigated last autumn for its inadequate response to misinformation, while Meta received a reprimand for similar offenses.
The Digital Services Act aims to compel online platforms to remove content such as hate speech, incitement to violence, and other illegal content from the internet. Additionally, the DSA prohibits manipulative practices that push users towards purchases, as well as advertising targeted at children.
The investigation into TikTok is expected to focus on various aspects, including the effectiveness of age restrictions on the platform, the protection of minors’ personal data, and the handling of problematic content such as cyberbullying or inappropriate material for young users.
TikTok, a popular platform for short-form videos, boasts millions of users worldwide, including a substantial number of children and teenagers. Given this reach and the increasing importance of digital platforms in young people’s lives, it is crucial for companies like TikTok to take stringent measures to ensure the safety and protection of their young users.
TikTok is expected to cooperate with EU authorities to address the allegations and make improvements in the area of youth protection. This investigation underscores the importance of regulatory measures to ensure the safety and protection of children and teenagers in the digital world and to strengthen public trust in online platforms.
