TikTok Responds to EU Warnings and Takes Action Against Misinformation

  Pexels

TikTok has announced prompt action in addressing misinformation following an EU warning regarding the recent Hamas attack on Israel. The EU urged TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, to swiftly increase efforts and clarify how the platform is complying with European law.

Misinformation Surge on Social Media

Social media platforms have experienced an influx of misinformation related to the conflict, including tampered images and mislabeled videos. TikTok responded by removing content and accounts that violated its terms.

The company stated, “We immediately mobilized significant resources and personnel to help maintain the safety of our community and integrity of our platform.”

EU Commissioner’s Warning to TikTok

EU Commissioner Thierry Breton cautioned TikTok about its popularity among young people. He emphasized the need to protect children and teenagers from violent content, terrorist propaganda, death challenges, and potentially life-threatening content.

The EU has also issued similar warnings about misinformation to X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, along with a 24-hour deadline.

Measures by TikTok

TikTok, owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, has outlined actions taken to fight misinformation and hateful content. This includes the establishment of a command center, enhancement of automated detection systems for graphic and violent content, and recruitment of more moderators with Arabic and Hebrew language skills.

The company underlined a zero-tolerance policy for content that promotes violent and hateful organizations and individuals, stating its firm stand against terrorism and expressing concern over the intensifying humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA)

In August 2023, the EU introduced new laws regulating online content. The Digital Services Act (DSA) mandates that large online platforms with over 45 million EU users proactively remove illegal content and demonstrate their compliance if requested.

While the EU has not commented on the possible outcomes of these specific cases, the DSA empowers the EU to conduct interviews and inspections, launch formal investigations, and issue penalties. If necessary, the commission can even request judges to temporarily ban a platform from the EU.