EU Industry Chief calls TikTok to boost compliance with Digital Services Act
TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media platform has voluntarily agreed to a ‘stress test’ to prepare for the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA).
Thierry Breton, the EU’s Internal Market Commissioner, had a recent interaction with TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, where he urged the Chinese-owned social media platform to enhance its adherence to the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). The platform underwent a ‘stress test’ at its European headquarters in Dublin on 17 July, and the outcomes of this evaluation were subsequently discussed between Commissioner Breton and TikTok’s. Emphasising the importance of ensuring users’ safety in the online space, Breton called on the platform to boost its efforts in adapting to the new EU digital regulations.
The Digital Services Act (DSA) in the EU puts forward the risk of significant fines for major online platforms like Alphabet (GOOGL.O) and Meta if they fail to effectively control illegal content. On Twitter, Breton emphasised the importance of independent EU enforcement in mitigating the impact of social media companies on democracies. TikTok will also become subject to the DSA rules starting in August, which entail risk management, external and independent auditing, data sharing with authorities, and the adoption of a code of conduct.