EU finds TikTok in preliminary breach of Digital Services Act over child safety

The European Commission has issued preliminary findings indicating that TikTok is violating the European Union's Digital Services Act by failing to adequately protect underage users. According to the executive body, the social network's default account settings leave minors exposed to risks such as cyberbullying, unwanted contact, and exploitative behavior. Brussels specifically highlighted that profiles belonging to minors could be accessed by anyone.

The Commission has requested that TikTok adjust its platform settings to prevent children's content from being publicly visible. If these findings are confirmed and TikTok fails to address the shortcomings, the platform faces potential fines amounting to hundreds of millions of euros. TikTok has rejected the criticism as it prepares its legal defense.

Sources: Respect, ORF, HRT Vijesti, Tagesschau