In a video call to discuss the new strict restrictions, EU Commissioner Breton warned the TikTok CEO to comply with rules in order for the social media to not face a ban. These restrictions for online platforms are set to take effect this year.
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 20: The TikTok logo is displayed at a TikTok office on December 20, 2022 in Culver City, California. Congress is pushing legislation to ban the popular Chinese-owned social media app from most government devices. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Mario Tama/Getty Images
(Photo : Mario Tama/Getty Images) CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 20: The TikTok logo is displayed at a TikTok office on December 20, 2022 in Culver City, California. Congress is pushing legislation to ban the popular Chinese-owned social media app from most government devices.
Warning TikTok
ByteDance's TikTok and the European Union have been discussing the new digital regulations regarding data privacy, cybersecurity, and misinformation. It was reported that these rules are more strict than the previous ones.
EU Digital Policy Chief Thierry Breton warned TikTok Chief Executive Officer Shou Zi Chew of the upcoming restrictions in a video call, as per South China Morning Post. Western authorities have been concerned about the application's data security, which means that all eyes are on the company.
TikTok could face a ban in the European Union if it does not step up its efforts to comply with the Digital Services Act before September. "We will not hesitate to adopt the full scope of sanctions to protect our citizens if audits do not show full compliance," Breton stated.
He added that it is never acceptable that behind the seemingly fun and harmless features, it takes users second to access content that are considered harmful and threatening, especially that the application contains younger audiences.
Breton called out TikTok to have a "special responsibility" for the users' safety.
Aside from this, the commissioner also talked about the allegations of the company spying on journalists and transferring reams of personal user data outside Europe. This violates the EU's strict privacy rules.
"We will not hesitate to adopt the full scope of sanctions to protect our citizens if audits do not show full compliance," he added. Reuters reported that the Digital Services Act includes dissuasive sanctions like a ban in the case of repeated breaches that threaten the life and safety of the people.
TikTok's Response
TikTok has been committed to the DSA and already outlined its effort to comply with this legislation from the EU. This includes GDPR data protection rules and a code of practice on disinformation.
Director of Public Policy and Government Relations Caroline Greer stated that the safety of its users is the number one priority of the app, as it is their paramount.
She added, "It's important for TikTok and other platforms to swiftly get ready for compliance with the Digital Services Act & Digital Markets Act."
Jourová talked about her concerns regarding the application, like EU's protection of personal data, child safety, and the spread of Russian disinformation like political advertising. Greer described the meeting as constructive and helpful for the application and commission.
