The EU has opened a formal investigation into whether TikTok has broken the rules related to online content and safeguarding of children. An official said this on Monday, putting the Chinese social media giant at risk of a hefty fine.
The said that it had opened official investigations into TikTok over potential breaches of the Digital Services Act (DSA).
Here is what the European Union said in a format statement.
“Based on the preliminary investigation conducted so far, including based on an analysis of the risk assessment report sent by TikTok in September 2023, as well as TikTok’s replies to the Commission’s formal Requests for Information (on illegal content, protection of minors, and data access), the Commission has decided to open formal proceedings against TikTok under the Digital Services Act.”
This is the second major investigation that the EU has taken under the DSA laws. They are also investigating X over its efforts in restricting illegal content and stopping the spread of misinformation.
Companies that breach the DSA face fines of up to 6% of their global turnover. TikTok will need to provide information to EU investigators to assess its efforts in following all the guidelines.
However, it is unlikely for TikTok to be slapped with hefty fines as DSA also includes clauses that enable investigators to accept the commitment made by TikTok to remedy the matters subject to proceeding.
Apple is also reportedly facing a hefty fine of $500 million from the EU over Spotify’s Antitrust complaint.
