In a move that signals growing concerns over digital safety and transparency, the European Union has initiated an investigation into ByteDance’s popular social media platform, TikTok. The investigation comes amid allegations that TikTok may have violated online content rules designed to protect children and ensure transparent advertising practices.
EU industry chief Thierry Breton confirmed the decision to launch the investigation on Monday, following an analysis of TikTok’s risk assessment report and its responses to information requests. The investigation will focus on several potential breaches, including concerns over addictive design, inadequate screen time limits, the so-called “rabbit hole” effect, age verification issues, and default privacy settings.
The decision underscores the EU’s commitment to upholding digital safety standards and protecting vulnerable users, particularly children, from harmful online content and practices. If TikTok is found to have violated EU regulations, it could face significant penalties, including hefty fines.
As TikTok continues to attract a large user base, especially among younger demographics, regulators are increasingly scrutinizing its practices to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The outcome of the EU investigation will be closely watched by stakeholders worldwide and may influence future regulations governing social media platforms.