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TikTok charged with breaching EU tech rules on online safety for kids

Created at 24 Jul · 10:04 AM3 sources↑ Market-relevant3 events
IN SHORT

The European Commission has formally charged TikTok with breaching the EU's Digital Services Act, citing concerns that the platform's privacy settings inadequately protect children's accounts from adults. The company faces a potential fine of up to 6% of its global annual revenue.

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Key Numbers

6%potential fine as % of global annual revenue
February 2024investigation start date
€345 millionprevious fine for data protection breaches
€530 millionprevious fine for data transfer to China

Who's Involved

TikTok
social media platform charged with breaching EU tech rules
European Commission
EU tech enforcer issuing the charges
ByteDance
owner of TikTok
TikTok charged with breaching EU tech rules on online safety for kids

↳ Why This Matters

The charges highlight the EU's ongoing efforts to regulate major tech platforms and enforce stricter online safety and privacy standards, particularly for minors, potentially setting precedents for other platforms.

Key facts

  • TikTok has been formally charged by the European Commission for breaching the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA).
  • The charges stem from findings that TikTok's privacy settings failed to adequately protect children's accounts from adults.
  • Regulators cited risks of cyberbullying, unwanted contact, and predatory behavior due to these privacy failures.
  • Even private accounts can be easily discovered through follower lists, according to the Commission.
  • TikTok faces a potential fine of up to 6% of its global annual revenue if found in non-compliance.

    • The European Commission has formally charged TikTok with breaching the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), citing concerns that the platform's privacy settings inadequately protect children's accounts from adults. The Commission found that TikTok failed to shield minors' privacy, potentially exposing them to cyberbullying, unwanted contact, and predatory behavior. Even private accounts are reportedly discoverable through follower lists. This finding is part of a broader regulatory push by Brussels against major technology firms. TikTok now has the opportunity to present its defense before the Commission makes a final decision, which could result in a fine of up to 6% of the company's global annual revenue. The investigation into TikTok's compliance with the DSA began in February 2024. Previously, the Commission had already found TikTok in breach of the DSA regarding its 'addictive design' features. The platform has also faced significant fines from Ireland's Data Protection Commission, including €345 million for data protection rule violations concerning child accounts and €530 million for transferring European user data to China.

    Frequently asked questions

    TikTok is accused of breaching the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) concerning online content rules and child safety, specifically regarding privacy settings for minors.

    Regulators are concerned that TikTok's design features allow children's accounts to be viewed by adults, potentially exposing them to cyberbullying, unwanted contact, and predatory behavior.

    If found in violation, TikTok could face a fine of up to 6% of its global annual revenue.

    TikTok stated it would review the findings and engage constructively with the regulator, highlighting its existing privacy and safety features for teen accounts.

    What Happens Next

    01TikTok will review the EU findings and present its response.
    02The European Commission will issue a final decision on the charges.
    03A fine of up to 6% of TikTok's global annual revenue could be imposed.

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    How It Developed

    TikTok faces EU charges for violating online safety rules.
    The European Commission found TikTok failed to adequately protect children's privacy.
    TikTok has been formally charged by the European Commission for breaching the EU's Digital Services Act.
    Regulators cited risks of cyberbullying, unwanted contact, and predatory behavior due to privacy failures.
    Even private accounts can be easily discovered through follower lists, according to the Commission.
    TikTok faces a potential fine of up to 6% of its global annual revenue.
    The investigation into TikTok's compliance with the DSA began in February 2024.
    TikTok will review the EU findings and present its response.
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    Sources

    T1
    TikTok charged with breaching EU tech rules on online safety for kids, EU saysReuters
    T1
    EU finds TikTok failed to shield the privacy of children's accounts from adultsEuronews
    T1
    TikTok charged with breaching EU rules on online safety for childrenSky News · World

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