European Commission launches investigation saying ``TikTok puts children at risk''

The European Commission has begun an investigation stating that ``TikTok may be in violation of the Digital Services Act (DSA) .''

DSA: Commission opens formal proceedings against TikTok
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_24_926

DSA is a law aimed at ``creating a safe digital space'' and requires online platforms to protect minors and strengthen moderation.

European Commission announces large-scale platforms subject to the 'Digital Services Law', totaling 19 platforms including YouTube, Google, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Wikipedia - GIGAZINE

The European Commission will require TikTok to provide ``details of the measures it has taken to prevent the spread of violent content'' in October 2023. Furthermore, in November 2023, it was requested to explain 'measures to protect minors from risks.'

Based on a preliminary investigation into TikTok, the European Commission determined that ``some provisions of the DSA may have been violated'' and announced on February 19, 2024 that it had launched a formal investigation into TikTok. Did. The focus of the investigation is as follows.

・Measures to prevent the `` rabbit hole phenomenon '' where users come into contact with radical information due to algorithms may not be sufficient.
・Age verification tools to prevent minor users from accessing inappropriate content may not be working effectively.
・The default privacy settings for minor users may not comply with the privacy protection obligations required by DSA.
・A searchable repository for advertisements posted on the service is not made public.
・Access to public data is blocked and transparency may not be sufficient

The European Commission plans to proceed with interviews with relevant parties and requests for additional information.

This is not the first time that the European Commission has launched an investigation into a platform related to the DSA; in December 2023, X We have begun a formal investigation into the matter, saying that there are issues such as 'sexuality is not being secured.'

The European Commission finally begins an investigation into hate speech and fake news spreading on X (formerly Twitter), triggered by the war between Israel and Hamas - GIGAZINE

In addition, when the DSA was first implemented, it targeted large platforms such as Google, TikTok, and X, but from February 17, 2024, all online platforms operating in the EU will be subject to the regulation.

DSA starts applying to all online platforms in the EU
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_881