EU Launches Formal Investigation into TikTok's Failure to Protect Minors Online

The European Commission has launched a formal investigation into TikTok over concerns that the platform is not adequately protecting minors and may be breaching the Digital Services Act. The EC alleges that TikTok's algorithm and recommender systems may lead minors to harmful content, and its age verification system may be subpar. The investigation could lead to measures requiring TikTok to update its age-verification system and default privacy settings for minors, with potential fines of up to 6 percent of its global turnover. TikTok has stated its commitment to working with experts to keep young people safe on its platform and to address the issues raised by the EC.