The European Union has launched a formal investigation into popular social media platform TikTok for potential breaches of online content regulations. This move comes just days after New York City filed a lawsuit against TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube over alleged harm to minors’ mental health.
Thierry Breton, the EU’s industry chief, announced the investigation on Monday, stating that TikTok will be scrutinized for possible violations of regulations designed to protect minors and ensure transparent advertising. The investigation will focus on TikTok’s risk assessment report, its responses to requests for information, and its compliance with the Digital Services Act, which recently came into effect for all online platforms.
If TikTok is found guilty of breaching DSA rules, ByteDance, the company that owns TikTok, could face fines of up to 6% of its global turnover. Specifically, the investigation will examine TikTok’s system design, including algorithmic systems that may encourage behavioral addictions and ‘rabbit hole effects.’
In response to the investigation, a TikTok spokesperson emphasized that the platform has implemented features and settings to protect teens and prevent users under the age of 13 from accessing the platform. The spokesperson also highlighted that these are issues the entire industry is currently grappling with.
The EU’s investigation into TikTok follows New York City’s legal action against major social media platforms for allegedly causing mental health issues among young users. The lawsuit accused these companies of intentionally designing and marketing their platforms to attract and addict young users, with minimal parental oversight.
This latest development comes amidst growing concerns about the impact of social media platforms on minors and data privacy. Lawmakers have expressed bipartisan criticism over President Joe Biden’s campaign decision to join TikTok, citing concerns about national security and data privacy. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse has also criticized big tech platforms for their inability to effectively police themselves, particularly in ensuring children’s safety online.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how TikTok will navigate these regulatory challenges and address concerns about its impact on users, particularly minors. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for the platform and the broader social media industry as a whole.
