TikTok Under Investigation for DSA Breaches Involving Child Safety and Mental Health | EU Probes Allegations Against TikTok

Popular short-form video platform TikTok is currently under investigation in Europe for potential violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA), including allegations of failing to safeguard the privacy and safety of children.

The company is also facing accusations of endangering the mental well-being of users by intentionally creating an addictive app experience and leading users into potentially harmful “rabbit holes” that could contribute to radicalization.

Understanding the Digital Services Act (DSA)

The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a set of European regulations aimed at shielding individuals from false information, disguised advertisements, and the unauthorized use of personal data for targeting purposes.

Initially, the DSA impacts 19 major tech companies that operate large platforms with significant influence over a wide audience. The primary objective of the DSA is to combat the dissemination of harmful misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, while also emphasizing the importance of transparency in the recommendations provided by these companies.

Previous DSA Investigations

Previously, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter was the first company to face a DSA investigation in December of the prior year.

The social network X is currently under formal investigation by the European Union to determine potential violations of the law in multiple areas. These include the dissemination of illegal content related to Hamas’ activities and scrutiny of verified accounts.

TikTok Joins the Investigation

TikTok has recently been identified as the second company under investigation for potential breaches of DSA regulations.

Of particular concern is the requirement for TikTok to ensure the privacy, safety, and security of minors, especially in relation to default privacy settings and recommender system functions. Additionally, the EU is investigating whether TikTok’s algorithms are intentionally designed to promote addiction and extreme content.

The assessment will determine if TikTok’s algorithms contribute to addictive behaviors and lead users into potentially harmful content. This evaluation aims to protect individuals’ physical and mental well-being, uphold children’s rights, and address radicalization risks.

The duration of the investigation remains uncertain, contingent on factors like TikTok’s cooperation. The European Commission has emphasized the importance of compliance with DSA guidelines to uphold user safety and privacy.

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