TikTok Faces Pressure as Foundation Files Complaint and EU Investigates
Complaint Filed by Foundation with Association Against TikTok App - Lawsuit filed by Foundation against TikTok in a collective lawsuit
Say goodbye to TikTok's fun and games if things don't change. The platform has found itself in hot water after the Foundation lodged a complaint, and the European Union (EU) has launched formal investigations.
The complaint filed by the Foundation against TikTok accuses the application of creating a manipulative system, especially for young people, using its algorithm. It seeks 2000 euros for users under 16, 1000 euros for those aged 16 to 21, and 500 euros for those over 21. Users are required to register their complaints at the Federal Office of Justice. Pending TikTok's response, proceedings against the platform are underway at both the national and EU levels.
But TikTok's troubles don't stop at the national border. The EU Commission is scrutinizing the application under the Digital Services Act (DSA), focusing on systemic risks such as the protection of minors from violent content, addiction risks, and algorithmic manipulation. These formal investigations assess whether TikTok breached the DSA by not effectively safeguarding minors from exposure to inappropriate content or content that could potentially lead to addiction.
The investigations also question TikTok's age verification measures, raising doubts about whether the platform reliably distinguishes between underage and adult users. Besides, the EU Commission suspects that TikTok's algorithms create "rabbit hole" effects, funneling users—especially minors—into one-sided or extreme information bubbles that amplify addiction and exposure risks.
Moreover, the DSA requires large online platforms to grant accredited researchers access to platform data for risk analysis. However, the Commission suspects that TikTok is withholding data, potentially obstructing independent oversight and research into risks for young users.
Apart from child protection, the Commission is investigating TikTok's risk management regarding democratic processes and election integrity. Failure to comply with transparency requirements could result in significant fines for TikTok and its parent company ByteDance, amounting to 6% of their global turnover if violations are confirmed.
So, what's the current status of these ongoing investigations? The Commission is actively investigating TikTok's protection of minors, algorithmic risks, transparency, and advertising transparency. The investigations are still underway as of June 2025.
In conclusion, the European Commission is taking a hard stance against TikTok, scrutinizing the application's compliance with the DSA, especially regarding the protection of minors and transparency. If TikTok fails to address these concerns, it could face severe consequences, including significant fines.
- The ongoing investigations by the European Commission are focusing on TikTok's compliance with community law, particularly the Digital Services Act (DSA), concerning the protection of minors, transparency, and algorithmic risks.
- The foundation's complaint against TikTok, related to policy-and-legislation, alleges that the application's algorithm manipulates users, especially young people, and seeks potential compensation for registered users.
