Subject: TikTok’s compliance with the Digital Services Act with respect to content showing self- harm, etc. directed at children
The Danish Digital Responsibility Council has assessed TikTok and the content on the platform. Its investigation found that content is being circulated which is aimed at young users and which shows and encourages self-harm, etc.1
Under the Digital Services Act, platforms are required to take steps to reduce such content – content which can also be regarded as illegal.
1. Does the Commission take the view that TikTok is complying with the Digital Services Act?
2. If so, what steps is the Commission intending to take to ensure that content like that described above cannot be found on online platforms?
Submitted: 15.12.2023
1 https://nyheder.tv2.dk/samfund/2023-12-09-det-er-vildere-end-vi-havde-forestillet-os-advarer-
sekretariatschef-om-tiktok
Answer given by Mr Breton on behalf of the European Commission
(1 February 2024)
Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 (Digital Services Act or DSA) (2) obliges online platforms that are accessible to minors to take appropriate and proportionate measures to ensure a high level of privacy, safety, and security of those minors.
The DSA also obliges very large online platforms (VLOPs), such as TikTok, to assess the systemic risks that their services pose on the mental and physical wellbeing and the rights of the child and to put in place measures to mitigate such risks.
The Commission has investigatory and enforcement tools to assess potential non-compliance by providers of VLOPs with the DSA.
Following TikTok’s risk assessment report, the Commission has initiated an investigation into TikTok compliance with the DSA, notably by sending two requests for information including regarding risks to the mental and physical health of the use of their services by minors (3).
The Commission is currently assessing the information provided by TikTok in response, as well as other information related to these matters, and it will decide on the next steps in due course. All actions will be undertaken in full respect of due process.
1 ∙ ⸱ https://nyheder.tv2.dk/samfund/2023-12-09-det-er-vildere-end-vi-havde-forestillet-os-advarer-sekretariatschef-om-tiktok
2 ∙ ⸱ Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market for Digital Services and amending
Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act), OJ L 277, 27.10.2022, p. 1-102. 3 ∙ ⸱ https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/list-designated-vlops-and-vloses