The European Commission is conducting an investigation into TikTok’s protection of minors under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Multiple outlets report that the Commission has issued preliminary findings suggesting TikTok’s system for minors’ accounts does not adequately protect children’s privacy rights. The concern described across sources is that adults can view the accounts of minors, which the Commission says could expose children to unwanted contact, cyberbullying, or predatory behaviour.
The Verge and The Wall Street Journal describe the Commission’s view that minors’ accounts may require changes to default settings so that protections are built in rather than left to users to opt into. The Independent and The Hindu likewise summarize the Commission’s conclusion that TikTok fails to meet aspects of the bloc’s digital safety and privacy standards for children.
TikTok is reported to have an opportunity to respond to the Commission’s findings. If the Commission is not satisfied with TikTok’s explanation or remedial actions, it can move toward a non-compliance decision. Several reports also note that prior EU scrutiny has focused on TikTok’s “addictive design” features affecting minors, indicating broader regulatory attention to children’s safety on the platform.
