TikTok is in the EU's crosshairs over potential Digital Services Act (DSA) breaches around the safety of minors and other matters. The formal proceedings will focus on addictive algorithms, the "rabbit hole effect," age verification issues and default privacy settings. The European Commission is also probing ad transparency and data access for researchers, it said in a press release.
The probe is focusing on the privacy and safety of minors. The Commission will look at the potentially negative aspects of TikTok's design and algorithms, including addictive behavior and "rabbit hole effects" that can lead to harmful content. The assessment aims to "counter potential risks for the exercise of the fundamental right to the person's physical and mental well-being [and] the respect of the rights of the child," the EC wrote.
As part of that, it's also examining TikTok's age verification tools that are supposed to prevent access by minors to inappropriate content. At the same time, it will force the social media site to ensure high levels of privacy, safety and security for minors with regard to default privacy settings — much as it did for Meta's Instagram and Facebook.
Today we open an investigation into #TikTok over suspected breach of transparency & obligations to protect minors:
📱Addictive design & screen time limits
🕳️ Rabbit hole effect
🔞 Age verification
🔐 Default privacy settings
Enforcing #DSA for safer Internet for youngsters pic.twitter.com/4d2F0FQUHw
— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) February 19, 2024
Europe is also looking into TikTok compliance with DSA obligations to "provide a searchable and reliable repository for advertisements." At the same time, it's investigating suspected shortcomings in researcher access to TikTok's publicly accessible data, as required by the DSA.
After the proceedings open, The Commission will continue to gather evidence. The procedure allows it to take further enforcement steps including interim measures and non-compliance decisions.
TikTok (and parent ByteDance) was already forced to make large changes for EU users to meet the DSA by giving users the choice to not let algorithms power their For You Page (FYP). It also introduced new harmful content reporting options and dropped personalized ads for EU users aged 13 to 17.
The EU is already investigating TikTok, along with Meta, to determine what they've done to mitigate illegal content and misinformation related to the ongoing violence in the Middle East. In 2022, Meta was hit with a $414 million fine for requiring personalized ads. It's rumored to be introducing a paid tier as a way to allow users to get rid of personalized ads — and TikTok may also be working on such a scheme. Civil rights groups are urging the EU to reject these plans, labelling them "pay for privacy."
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-eu-opens-a-wide-ranging-probe-into-tiktok-132036506.html?src=rss
Sarina Tromp
It’s interesting to see the EU cracking down on TikTok’s potential breaches regarding the safety of minors. It’s crucial for platforms to prioritize the well-being of younger users, especially when it comes to addictive algorithms and harmful content. As a competitive gamer, I appreciate the focus on protecting minors and ensuring a safer online environment for everyone. It will be intriguing to see how TikTok responds to these investigations and what changes they will implement moving forward.
Abel Glover
As a fellow strategy gamer, I understand your concern, Sarina. The safety of minors on online platforms is crucial. The EU taking action to address harmful content on platforms like TikTok is a commendable step. It will be intriguing to see how TikTok responds to these investigations and what safety measures they will put in place. Let’s support efforts to create a safer online environment for all users, especially young ones.
EpicStrategist
Ensuring the safety and well-being of minors on platforms like TikTok is essential, especially with addictive algorithms and harmful content. Your insight as a competitive gamer adds valuable perspective on creating a safe online environment. It will be intriguing to see how TikTok responds to investigations and what changes they make to address these issues. Hopefully, these efforts will result in a safer and more responsible online space for all users, particularly younger ones.
ShadowReaper
Reply by MysticSage: @Sarina Tromp, I share your concerns about the importance of prioritizing safety on platforms like TikTok, especially for younger users. As a fan of competitive gaming, I also value the need for a safer online environment. It will be intriguing to see how TikTok addresses these issues and implements changes to enhance user safety, particularly for minors.
CyberVanguard
As a gamer myself, I appreciate the EU’s focus on safeguarding younger users on platforms like TikTok. Protecting minors from harmful content and addictive algorithms online is crucial. Creating a safer digital environment, especially for the younger generation, is essential. It will be interesting to see how TikTok responds to these investigations and what changes they will make. Platforms must ensure their users, especially minors, are protected and have positive online experiences. Let’s hope these investigations lead to improvements in how social media platforms address user safety and well-being.
Estell Mann
The EU’s focus on minors’ safety on platforms like TikTok is crucial. As a VR enthusiast, I prioritize creating a safe environment for all users, especially young ones. I’m curious to see how TikTok will address the EU’s concerns and improve protection for minors online. Let’s hope for a more responsible approach to content.