The European Commission has initiated formal proceedings to investigate whether TikTok has violated the Digital Services Act (DSA) in terms of protecting minors, advertising transparency, data access for researchers, and managing addictive design and harmful content. The Commission will gather evidence, conduct interviews, and inspections to carry out an in-depth investigation.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager stated, “TikTok needs to take a close look at the services they offer and carefully consider the risks that they pose to their users – young as well as old.” The focus of the proceedings will be on compliance with DSA obligations related to assessing and mitigating systemic risks, including algorithmic systems, and putting in place measures to ensure privacy, safety, and security for minors.
Commissioner Thierry Breton emphasized the importance of protecting minors online, stating that TikTok, as a platform reaching millions of children and teenagers, must fully comply with the DSA. This move comes after the EU’s formal proceedings against X over its handling of illegal content surrounding the Israel-Hamas war.
The European Commission has taken a significant step in addressing concerns related to TikTok’s potential breaches of the Digital Services Act. By initiating formal proceedings, the Commission aims to thoroughly investigate whether TikTok has complied with obligations related to the protection of minors, advertising transparency, and managing harmful content.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager and Commissioner Thierry Breton have both underscored the importance of addressing the risks posed by TikTok’s services and the platform’s role in protecting minors online. This investigation follows similar actions taken against other tech companies, demonstrating the EU’s commitment to enforcing digital regulations and protecting users, particularly minors. The outcome of the investigation will have significant implications for TikTok’s operations within the EU and may set a precedent for other digital service providers.
