EU Warns TikTok Minors' Safety Settings Should Not Be Opt-In

The European Commission has issued preliminary findings under the Digital Services Act (DSA) that criticize TikTok's approach to protecting underage users on its platform. The Commission announced on March 13, 2024, that it has identified specific issues requiring TikTok's attention, suggesting that the default settings for minors' accounts should be more protective.

Specifically, the EU's preliminary assessment indicates that TikTok's current system, which allows users to opt into certain safety features, is insufficient. The Commission is proposing that features designed to protect minors should be enabled by default, rather than requiring users or their guardians to actively select them. This move aligns with the DSA's objective to create a safer online environment for all users, particularly vulnerable groups like children.

The Digital Services Act, which came into effect in February 2024, imposes stricter obligations on online platforms regarding content moderation, transparency, and user safety. Platforms deemed "very large online platforms" (VLOPs) and "very large online search engines" (VLOSEs), including TikTok, are subject to the most stringent requirements. The preliminary findings suggest that TikTok's current default settings may not adequately fulfill these obligations concerning minors.

While the Commission has not yet made a final decision, these preliminary findings represent a significant step in the DSA's enforcement process. TikTok will have the opportunity to respond to these findings and present its case. If the Commission ultimately concludes that TikTok is not in compliance, it could lead to substantial fines, potentially up to 6% of the company's global annual revenue, as stipulated by the DSA.