How TikTok plans to meet the EU’s strict new rules
Last week, the video-sharing platform TikTok announced some changes to its features so it can meet the EU’s tough new rules. The rules have recently forced internet giants to take action on a range of issues including hate speech, data privacy, child protection, and disinformation.
Among the changes TikTok is making is an option that allows all European users to turn off the feature that shows content based on their interests, which many people describe as addictive.
Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for the digital market, warned TikTok that it needs to adopt the new standards quickly so EU users can “turn off personalisation”.
TikTok is a very popular app, especially with younger audiences. It has over 1 billion users, and its AI-powered algorithm is one of its key features. The “For You” feed keeps people engaged on the platform as it keeps recommending videos based on their personal interests.
In addition to this, TikTok says it’s taking other measures to comply with the rules, like making it easier to report harmful content and banning targeted ads for European users aged 13 to 17. It also says it will be more transparent about content moderation decisions.
“We will continue to not only meet our regulatory obligations but also strive to set new standards through innovative solutions,” TikTok said.
What are the EU’s new digital standards?
The EU’s Digital Services Act aims to “create a safer digital space where the fundamental rights of users are protected and to establish a level playing field for businesses.”
One of the objectives is to make the online world safer for users in Europe. The rules affect social media, content-sharing platforms, online marketplaces, and more, as they aim to govern online platforms to create a safe and fair environment.
The EU has given influential digital companies until the end of August to comply with the new rules, otherwise, they will face large fines. So far, the internet’s 19 biggest companies, including Apple, Google, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft have started making plans to meet the standards.
