EU Digital Services Act: TikTok Faces warning by EU
European Union’s industry chief, Thierry Breton, issued a stern warning to tech giant TikTok on Thursday regarding the rampant spread of disinformation on its platform, especially following a recent attack by the Hamas militant group on Israel. This warning represents the initial test of the EU’s revolutionary online content rules, known as the Digital Services Act (DSA).
In a letter addressed to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, Breton expressed deep concerns about the platform being misused for disseminating illegal content and disinformation in the aftermath of the attack. The letter emphasized the company’s critical responsibility to protect children and teenagers on the app from exposure to violent content and graphic videos, which have unfortunately been circulating widely without adequate safeguards.
The DSA mandates that major platforms and search engines take more proactive measures to combat illegal content, address risks to public security, and fortify their services against manipulative techniques. In cases of violations, companies may face severe penalties, including fines amounting to as much as six percent of their global turnover.
Simultaneously, Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino reported on Thursday that her company has taken decisive action to remove or label tens of thousands of pieces of content related to Israel and Hamas since the attack. Yaccarino also highlighted the removal of hundreds of Hamas-affiliated accounts.
Breton’s warning to TikTok underscores the EU’s determination to enforce its online content rules and serves as a powerful reminder to major online entities regarding the imperative need to adhere to the DSA and other regulatory frameworks. Ensuring the safety of internet users, especially minors, is a core principle of this regulation, and with the prevalence of disinformation, it stands as a significant challenge that tech companies must address effectively in the future.
EU Digital Services Act: TikTok Faces warning by EU: The warning issued by EU industry chief Thierry Breton to TikTok serves as a pivotal moment in enforcing the Digital Services Act (DSA) and ensuring responsible online behavior. The incident highlights the urgent need for tech giants to prioritize the fight against disinformation and illegal content on their platforms, especially in times of crisis. As online threats and misinformation continue to pose significant challenges, regulatory frameworks like the DSA play a vital role in holding companies accountable and safeguarding users, particularly the vulnerable younger audience. This event emphasizes the ongoing efforts to create a safer and more transparent digital environment for all.
Reuters
