EU Launches Child Protection Investigation Into TikTok and YouTube
The European Union today in Brussels announced an investigation into YouTube and TikTok to find out what actions the US and Chinese platforms are taking to ensure the safety of minors on their platforms, including their "mental and physical health", 7sur7 reports.
The European Commission announced in a press release that it has asked the companies to "provide more information on the measures they have taken to fulfil their obligations to protect minors" under new EU legislation that came into force at the end of August.
This is the first step in procedures that could lead to serious financial penalties in the case of proven and persistent breaches of the rules. In extreme cases, fines can reach 6% of the global turnover of the groups involved.
"TikTok and YouTube must provide the necessary information to the Commission no later than 30 November 2023. Based on the assessment of the responses, the Commission will determine the next steps," the statement said.
Thursday's announcement is part of a stepped-up effort led by European Digital Commissioner Thierry Breton to force very large platforms to meet new obligations placed on them.
"Child protection will be a priority" in the implementation of the DSA, he warned in August.
In October, Brussels had already announced three investigations against social media platform TikTok (owned by the Chinese group ByteDance) for "false information", violent images and comments, following Hamas attacks on Israel.
The European enforcement authorities also launched an investigation against the Chinese online sales site AliExpress for allegedly distributing illegal products, including counterfeit medicines.
Since the end of August, stricter rules have been introduced for the 19 largest internet corporations.
The 27 member states have established rules to define the rights and obligations of web giants. Companies that do not comply with these rules risk paying heavy fines. In general, the larger the company, the stricter the restrictions will be.
Initially, the DSA will apply to the 17 largest platforms in Europe, as well as the two major search engines.
From 17 February 2024, all companies in the new technology sector will be subject to the same rules.
In October, IT giants reported to the EU on their efforts to combat Russian propaganda. All major online platforms, including Google, Meta, Microsoft and TikTok, which have signed the Code of Practice on Disinformation, have submitted their second report to the EU on the implementation of the Code of Practice.