TikTok, the wildly popular video-sharing platform, is undergoing a significant transformation in the European Union (EU) to comply with the Digital Services Act (DSA) before the looming August 28 deadline.
As Engadget highlights, this overhaul will grant EU users the unprecedented power to decide whether they want algorithms to curate their For You page (FYP) or opt for a non-personalized feed.
The move comes as part of the company's efforts to adhere to the DSA requirements and provide alternative options to users without data profiling.
What's Coming
Under the new system, EU users will soon be able to switch off personalization for their FYP, which is currently the bedrock of TikTok's success.
The FYP, powered by an addictive algorithm, tailors content to individual users based on their interests, keeping them endlessly scrolling.
However, with the impending changes, users can populate their FYP with trending videos from their geographical location and across the globe, rather than receiving personalized content.
Additionally, TikTok will introduce a non-personalized search function, showing users search results based on popular content in their region and preferred language.
This means users can explore a broader range of content without the platform tracking their activity for targeted suggestions.
Opt-Out Personalized TikTok Recommendations
TechCrunch reported in April that the European Commission has categorically mandated that "providers of very large online platforms," including TikTok, offer users the choice to opt out of personalized content recommendations. This move aims to enhance user privacy and give individuals more control over their online experience.
Although the changes pose a significant challenge for TikTok, as its algorithm-powered FYP has been the primary driver of user engagement, the company is adapting to comply with regulatory requirements.
TikTok has recognized the importance of transparency and will provide users with more information about its content moderation decisions. For instance, if a video contains unverified claims about an ongoing election, TikTok will inform users of its ineligibility for recommendations.
More Changes
Furthermore, we learn in a recent TikTok news release that the platform will implement an additional reporting option, enabling users to flag content they believe is illegal.
TikTok's content moderation team will review reported content, remove it globally if it violates community guidelines, or restrict access based on local laws in the relevant EU member state. Users will be informed of the decisions and given the opportunity to appeal if they disagree.
In line with the DSA's provisions, TikTok will no longer serve personalized advertising to users aged 13 to 17 in Europe, focusing on protecting the privacy of younger audiences. Users within this age group will only see generic ads based on their preferences, which can be toggled on or off in their settings.
The DSA is set to bring significant changes to other major platforms as well, such as Instagram and YouTube, which have relied heavily on algorithmic recommendations to boost user engagement and advertising revenue.
The new regulation aims to tackle the concerns around algorithm-driven recommender systems, which have been linked to spreading hate speech, disinformation, and other harmful content.
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