EU Commission Launches Probe into TikTok’s Alleged Breaches of Child Protection Rules
The probe aims to scrutinize whether TikTok’s algorithms possess addictive qualities or contribute to the creation of “rabbit hole effects,” potentially influencing user behavior in harmful ways.
Additionally, the commission is evaluating the adequacy of TikTok’s privacy settings for minors and assessing the platform’s compliance with obligations to maintain a searchable database of displayed advertisements.
This investigation focuses on potential infringements of the Digital Services Act (DSA), a recent legislation governing the operations of online platforms. The DSA mandates platforms to address various risks, including safeguarding mental well-being and protecting children’s rights, while also prohibiting the use of minors’ data for targeted advertising.
Should TikTok be found to have contravened the DSA’s risk mitigation provisions, it could face fines of up to six percent of its global annual revenue.
This development underscores the European Union’s commitment to enforcing stringent regulations aimed at safeguarding online users, particularly vulnerable groups such as children.
