The European Union (EU) has officially begun investigations into YouTube and TikTok’s safety measures to protect minors. The European Commission has made a formal request for information from both platforms under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA).
This scrutiny is part of the EU’s efforts to regulate major tech companies and ensure the responsible dissemination of online content. Under the DSA, digital platforms may face fines of up to six percent of their global turnover for any violations.
Both YouTube and TikTok are required to provide detailed information on their measures to protect minors, including risk assessments and mitigation efforts for potential threats to children’s mental and physical health. This information must be submitted to the European Commission November 30, with potential fines for inaccurate or incomplete responses.
TikTok had previously received a request for information addressing concerns related to terrorist and violent content, hate speech, and disinformation. As Very Large Online Platforms, both TikTok and YouTube are obligated to adhere to the comprehensive provisions established the DSA.
The European Union’s move reflects its commitment to holding influential tech companies accountable for safeguarding users, especially minors, and ensuring responsible online content distribution. Non-compliance with the request for information may result in penalty payments for the platforms.