MEPs query TikTok about compliance with EU digital guidelines

TikTok representatives will be asked to explain to members of the European Parliament how the Chinese-based social media platform complies with EU rules to tackle illegal content and online disinformation.

Guests:
. Caroline Greer – Director of Public Policy and Government Relations at TikTok
. Brie Pegum – Global Head of Product, Authenticity and Transparency at TikTok

The discussion, hosted by Parliament’s internal market and consumer protection committee, takes place in the context of the ongoing elections in Romania. The second round is scheduled for 8 December.

Bucharest has aked the European Commission for a formal investigation into TikTok following allegations that “thousands of accounts” on the platform “sponsored by sources external to the Romanian state” worked to amplify the visibility of the ultranationalist, pro-Russian candidate Călin Georgescu.

The Commission has investigative and sanctioning powers under the European Digital Services Act, the EU’s social media rules. It has sent TikTok a range of questions related to the platform’s risk management process when it comes to information manipulation, recommender systems and third-party access to data. The platform has two weeks to respond to the questions.

The Digital Services Act, which came into full effect on 17 February 2024, sets obligations on digital service providers to combat illegal content, online disinformation and other societal risks online.

* Due to technical issues, this live streaming does not have interpretation