Europe opens investigation against TikTok for possible harm to children and teenagers

The European Union has launched an official investigation against TikTok. The goal is to determine whether the social network is doing enough to protect children and teenagers who use your platform. In addition, other possible violations of the region’s digital services law will be assessed.

The European Commission said it would examine whether the algorithms of TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, could incentivize drug use among minors. “This assessment is necessary to counter possible risks to the realization of the fundamental right to the physical and mental well-being of a person, respect for the rights of the child, as well as its impact on the processes of radicalization,” the organization said in a statement. released a statement this Monday.

European regulators believe some of TikTok’s risk mitigation measures, such as age verification tools, may not be “reasonable, proportionate and effective.” The investigation will also assess whether the company has been transparent about advertising on its platform. In addition, he will consider “perceived shortcomings” in providing researchers with access to data Tik Tok is publicly accessible.

The European Union’s Digital Services Act treats TikTok as a “large online platform” or VLOP. This characteristic also applies to Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Google, Bing, Apple App Store and even porn sites like Pornhub, XVideos or Stripchat. The regulations came into full force just 48 hours ago, on February 17th.

What did TikTok say about the European Commission’s investigation?

If you are found guilty of any infringement, the European Commission may impose fine of up to 6% of TikTok’s global turnover. European Union law also provides that in extreme cases, the activities of these companies may be temporarily suspended in the region.

TikTok said it will continue to work with experts to ensure the safety of children and teens using its platform. “TikTok has pioneered features and settings to protect teens and prevent those under 13 from accessing the platform, issues facing the entire industry,” a spokesperson for the social network said. Reuters.

Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for the Internal Market and Services, defended the implementation of the Digital Services Act in favor of a “safer internet for young people.” “We have launched an investigation into TikTok for allegedly failing to comply with its transparency and child protection obligations,” the official said on X (Twitter).

The TikTok investigation is the second investigation carried out by the European Union since the Digital Services Act came into force. December, Europe announces investigation against X (Twitter) for spreading misleading content about the war between Israel and Hamas. The agency said it would also look into possible misleading interface design for the Elon Musk-owned social network. This particularly applies to the blue confirmation icon.