TikTok Faces More Fines in Europe Over DSA Compliance

TikTok faces more fines in Europe over DSA compliance, as regulators tighten enforcement on data transparency and user protection standards.

While the U.S. TikTok deal remains uncertain, the company is facing increasing regulatory issues in Europe over new fines for failing to police illegal content. Last week, EU regulatory authorities accused TikTok, together with Meta and Meta, of establishing “burdensome procedures and tools for researchers to request access to public data” that are aimed at restricting oversight by regulators.

EU Investigation Targets TikTok’s Ad Transparency

According to the Financial Times:

“In May, the EU moved closer to fining TikTok, after it provisionally concluded that the platform had breached its rules for failing to provide an ad library that allowed proper scrutiny of online advertising.”

The ongoing investigation could result in substantial fines and more stringent operational requirements of TikTok inside the EU.

TikTok Pushes Back Against Alleged Uneven Enforcement

In reaction, TikTok criticized the EU’s narrow enforcement policies, pointing out that other platforms don’t have to be subject to the same rules. 

TikTok advocates for an equal playing field for all internet-based services, focusing on an appropriate regulation based on the actual dangers rather than general bans on design features.

According to TikTok:

“To create a level-playing field and ensure consumers are protected wherever they go online, all online services not already subject to the DSA should also be required to take reasonable steps to assess and mitigate the risks of ‘persuasive design features’. This requirement should be proportionate to the specific risks posed by each online service, rather than ban certain design features as a whole.”

TikTok is also suggesting establishing central EU enforcement authority to supervise investigative, strategic enforcement in addition to mediation over borders.

TikTok suggests:

“A more coordinated enforcement strategy and better collaboration with other relevant EU and national authorities (e.g. DSA and GDPR authorities), would support businesses in their ongoing compliance efforts.”

Broader Context of Evolving EU Digital Regulations

TikTok has been hit with heavy fines as well as an $600 million fine by the Irish Data Protection Commissioner in relation to privacy breaches in the ongoing transfer of personal data China. Meta is also being punished for its non-compliance with the EU. 

These heavy fines match the EU’s stringent laws on digital, designed to improve transparency and protect users from the biggest tech companies.

But, some critics say the harsh penalties are the disguised tax on digital services that is disproportionately targeting big platforms in order to increase local revenues instead of strictly enforce compliance. 

This is one reason Meta collaborates in conjunction with Trump administration against these penalties as well as why TikTok is pushing for more fair regulations.

TikTok and EU Enforcement

With the EU looking into the effects of social media on well-being, the regulatory scrutiny is increasing. 

While TikTok’s suggestions for fairer enforcement have merit, it is not likely to be able to avoid further fines when authorities uncover an ongoing lack of transparency or legal flaws.

Bottom Line

This ongoing issue reveals the complicated interplay between platform governance, global regulatory frameworks, international regulations, and geopolitical tensions that shape the global operations of TikTok.