TikTok Faces EU Scrutiny Over Election Risk Management
The European Commission has issued a request for information (RFI) to TikTok under the Digital Services Act (DSA), emphasizing the need for responsible and diligent behavior by online platform providers. This step is crucial to ensure a safe, predictable, and trustworthy online environment. The request is particularly significant against the backdrop of the ongoing Romanian elections, where the Commission seeks to understand how TikTok manages risks of information manipulation.
The Commission has asked TikTok to provide detailed insights into its risk analysis and mitigation strategies concerning inauthentic or automated exploitation of its services. Additionally, TikTok is required to disclose how its recommender systems might contribute to such risks. The request extends to TikTok’s efforts in enabling broader third-party scrutiny and providing access to publicly available data to identify systemic risks related to electoral processes.
TikTok has been given a deadline of December 13 to respond to the RFI. The European Commission will assess the information provided to determine if further actions are necessary. This request follows an earlier inquiry sent to TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube on October 2, focusing on the design and functioning of their recommender systems in relation to elections.
The European Commission is actively collaborating with Digital Services Coordinators in Member States where elections are ongoing. A roundtable discussion regarding the Romanian elections was held, involving stakeholders such as Romanian authorities and major online platforms and search engines. This collaborative effort underscores the Commission’s commitment to enforcing the DSA effectively.
Source: Commission sends additional request for information to TikTok under the Digital Services Act
