EU Warns TikTok: Protection for Minors Must Not Be Opt-In
The European Commission has announced preliminary findings to TikTok under the Digital Services Act. The EU body is calling for enhanced default protections for minors using the video platform.
The European Commission has alerted TikTok to concerns regarding the protection of minors on its video-sharing platform. Preliminary findings were announced on Monday under the Digital Services Act (DSA), outlining specific issues that require attention.
The Commission suggests that TikTok should modify the default settings for minors' accounts. Specifically, the content posted by teenagers should only be visible to a list of approved TikTok users, and such content should not be recommended to others via the 'For You' feed. The EU also noted that even private accounts can be discovered through other users' 'following' lists.
Concerns extend to the algorithm's role in potentially exposing minors to harmful content. The EU is questioning TikTok's measures to prevent underage users from encountering inappropriate material or being targeted by advertising.
TikTok has been given a deadline to respond to the Commission's points. Failure to address these concerns could result in further actions by the EU, potentially including fines or other measures mandated by the Digital Services Act.