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The European Commission has initiated formal proceedings against TikTok under the Digital Services Act (DSA), emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of online users, especially minors.
Concerns related to the protection of minors, advertising transparency, data accessibility for researchers, and the management of addictive design and harmful content prompted the commission to take action, as stated in a press release on Monday (Feb. 19).
In response, TikTok emphasized its dedication to implementing features and settings to protect teenagers and prevent users under the age of 13 from accessing the platform. The company expressed readiness to cooperate with experts and the industry to ensure the safety of young users.
The investigation will focus on assessing and mitigating systemic risks associated with TikTok’s design, including algorithmic systems that may contribute to behavioral addictions. Additionally, scrutiny will be placed on TikTok’s measures concerning privacy, safety, security, and transparency, especially concerning minors.
Concerns also extend to TikTok’s compliance with providing researchers access to public data, as mandated by the DSA. Failure to adhere to these regulations may result in infringements of various articles of the DSA.
As TikTok falls under the category of “very large online platforms” under the DSA, it is obligated to comply with specific regulations. The commission’s formal proceedings grant it the authority to take further enforcement actions, including interim measures and non-compliance decisions.
Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age at the European Commission, emphasized the importance of TikTok carefully considering the risks posed to users, both young and old. She reiterated the commission’s commitment to conducting an in-depth investigation to ensure user safety without bias.
In preparation for the DSA, TikTok had previously agreed to undergo a voluntary “stress test” in July, anticipating the act’s enforcement the following month. Under the DSA, online platforms are responsible for removing illegal content, employing independent auditing, managing risks associated with such content, and sharing data with authorities for further accuracy.
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