Digital Services Act has just come into force and already has its first victim: TikTok

• The European Commission has opened a formal investigation against TikTok for failing to comply with certain DSA requirements

• Doubts about the safety of minors and the dangers of the addictive design of social networks

The new Digital Services Act (known as DSA) came into force this week. This is the European regulation that will force large online platforms to comply with algorithmic transparency and the fight against disinformation, among other demands.

It’s only been a few days since it was launched, but The European Commission has already launched a formal investigation Against one of these big platforms, due to suspicions that these demands are not being met.

Last September 2023, the Commission requested a risk analysis from TikTok to see how they adopted the Digital Services Law. According to the statement published today, there are doubts whether regulations are being complied with in aspects such as protection of minors, transparency in advertising, access to data by researchers and risk management of addictive design and content that incites hatred.

perfect TikTok’s design is in discussion Of the European Commission. As they explain, the TikTok system and its algorithms can have negative effects because it can incite “behavioral addiction” and create a “rabbit hole effect.” They point out that this design may pose a threat to mental health and may extend radicalization processes by repeatedly receiving content on the same topic.

With regard to minors the Commission clarifies that Age Verification Tool They may not be effective.

Even for young children, the Digital Services Law requires these big platforms to take additional safeguards for minors. Specifically, making the default privacy higher for minors.

Another complaint from the Commission is that TikTok does not offer a place where you can search or find out what ad campaigns are being run. it lack of transparency

This also applies to the data that TikTok provides to researchers. An obligation of the DSA that this social network is not currently fulfilling.

It has been decided to initiate a formal investigation into TikTok for possible non-compliance with all these demands. Due to its 135.9 million monthly unique users in Europe, TikTok is included among the DSA’s “gatekeepers”. If it is proven that it does not comply with the new law Face fines up to 6% of annual income Company at global level.

On TikTok’s part, the company said that “TikTok has pioneered features to protect teens and keep people under 13 off the platform, issues the entire industry is grappling with. We Hopefully the Commission will get an opportunity to explain this work in detail.” ,

Image | Solen Feisa | PUE/CHEMA MOYA

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