EU Launches TikTok Investigation Under Digital Services Act
The European Commission has initiated a formal investigation into TikTok’s adherence to the Digital Services Act (DSA), focusing particularly on the app’s protection of minors. This action follows preliminary investigations, which included an analysis of TikTok’s risk assessment report submitted in September 2023 and its responses to the Commission’s formal Requests for Information. These inquiries covered various compliance issues, such as app addiction, age verification processes, security measures for minors, data transparency, and more. The investigation marks the second significant application of the DSA, highlighting the European Union’s commitment to enforcing its new digital regulations.
Under the DSA’s provisions, TikTok is now required to provide additional information to EU investigators to evaluate its compliance efforts. The company faces a potential penalty of up to 6% of its global earnings if found in violation of the rules. However, the DSA allows for the possibility of accepting commitments from TikTok to address the issues under investigation, suggesting that early resolutions may be favored in these initial stages. The outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for how the EU enforces the DSA, particularly in cases involving the protection of minors and other systemic risks posed by digital platforms.
The duration of this in-depth investigation is uncertain, as it depends on various factors such as the case’s complexity, the extent of TikTok’s cooperation with the Commission, and the exercise of defense rights. This uncertainty underscores the potential for significant fines and the necessity for digital platforms to reassess their operations within the EU. The enforcement of the DSA could lead to more restrictive processes for digital platforms, with early cases playing a crucial role in establishing precedent and possibly resulting in substantial fines for non-compliance.
The initiation of formal proceedings against TikTok under the DSA signifies a robust approach by the European Union towards regulating digital platforms, especially concerning the protection of minors. As the EU seeks to enforce its new digital laws, platforms like TikTok may need to make substantial adjustments to their operations to comply with these regulations, potentially reshaping the digital landscape within the region.
Source: EU Officials Launch Investigation Into TikTok Over Potential DSA Violations | Social Media Today
