The European Commission has initiated formal proceedings against the popular online platform TikTok. The focus of the investigation is whether TikTok takes sufficient measures to protect children and young people from illegal content and whether the platform violates EU regulations on the protection of minors and advertising transparency.
This development highlights growing concerns about the role of social media platforms in the lives of minors and the need to effectively protect their users from harmful content.
Background of the investigation
The EU Commission, led by Industry Commissioner Thierry Breton, emphasizes that TikTok, as a platform with millions of underage users, has a special responsibility to protect young Internet users.
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The Commission's preliminary investigations have highlighted possible breaches of EU rules, particularly regarding the effectiveness of child protection measures such as age checks. There are concerns that such measures are not enough to prevent addictive behavior and access to inappropriate content.
EU regulation and digital security
The proceedings against TikTok are part of broader EU efforts to regulate digital platforms more closely. The new Digital Services Act (DSA) obliges online platforms to take action against illegal content and to ensure special protection of minors. This includes transparency in advertising and protecting the mental health of young people.
The EU has already launched X (formerly Twitter) and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram
Meaning and effects
The investigation into TikTok highlights the challenges and responsibilities of social media platforms when dealing with child protection. It highlights the need to implement effective safeguards to ensure the safety and well-being of young users.
The results of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for the operations of TikTok and other digital platforms in the EU, leading to stricter regulations and requirements for the protection of minors.
Questions and answers about the EU proceedings against TikTok:
Question 1: What is the EU Commission investigating in the TikTok case?
Answer 1: The EU Commission is investigating whether TikTok is taking sufficient measures to protect children and young people from illegal and harmful content and whether it violates EU rules on the protection of minors and advertising transparency.
Question 2: Why did the EU Commission open the procedure?
Answer 2: The procedure was initiated due to preliminary investigations that revealed possible violations of child protection and advertising transparency.
Question 3: What are the objectives of the new EU Digital Services Law?
Answer 3: The aim of the law is to oblige online platforms to combat illegal content, to promote the transparency of advertising and to ensure special protection of minors.
Question 4: What measures does the EU require from digital platforms?
Answer 4: The EU calls for measures such as transparency in advertising, protection of the mental health of young people and effective youth protection measures to protect minors from harmful content.
Question 5: What impact could the proceedings have on TikTok?
Answer 5: The process could lead to stricter regulation, changes to safeguards and possibly sanctions if violations are found.
Conclusion
The EU Commission's investigation into TikTok is an important step in efforts to hold digital platforms accountable and improve the protection of young users in the digital space. While the investigation is ongoing, it highlights the need to implement effective safeguards and ensure compliance with the law.
It's important that platforms like TikTok take their role in child protection seriously and take proactive steps to promote a safe and positive online environment. By strengthening child protection and promoting transparency, together we can create a safer digital world for all users.
Source: FAZ
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )