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EU action against TikTok: How endangered are our children really?
EU is investigating TikTok for inadequate protection of minors. Platform struggles with security concerns and transparency issues.
EU action against TikTok: How endangered are our children really?
TikTok, now a major platform in the social media world, is facing increasing concerns about its security measures. Recently, the focus has been on the protection of minors and compliance with European data protection guidelines. The EU Commission has opened a formal investigation into the platform operated by the Chinese company Bytedance to examine a potentially inadequate protection measure for minors, such as the standard reported.
Measures that some EU countries have taken include a ban on the use of TikTok by public servants in countries such as Austria. In Albania the platform was even blocked for a year. These measures reflect growing concerns about the safety of children and young people on the platform.
Investigations and Concerns
The EU investigation aims to examine the transparency of advertising on TikTok, as well as researchers' access to platform data and the effectiveness of measures to protect users from addiction and harmful content. EU Industry Commissioner Thierry Breton highlights TikTok's responsibility to actively protect minors. TikTok reaches millions of children and teenagers, and it remains unclear whether the app's algorithm can lead to addiction.
Another aspect of the research relates to the effects of TikTok videos on radicalization processes and the effective examination of whether underage users are actually protected from inappropriate content. These investigative steps are based on the Digital Services Act (DSA), which imposes strict rules on major internet platforms to ban hate, inflammatory content and manipulative practices.
Comparison to other platforms
Last fall, investigations were also launched against other major platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Meta (Facebook and Instagram). The DSA aims to specifically ban child-targeted advertising and limit the spread of harmful content. Given current developments, it is clear that the EU is taking a proactive approach to ensuring the safety of users, especially minors. The future of TikTok and similar platforms is at stake, and the pressure to allow corresponding changes is growing.