Is TikTok effective in safeguarding its young audience?

The European Commission has initiated a formal investigation into TikTok, the popular Chinese-owned video-sharing app, over concerns regarding privacy, security, and digital security, as well as user data protection. This action comes in light of the Digital Services Act (DSA), a new European regulation on digital services that came into effect on February 17, 2024.

The DSA, designed to enforce better protection for users, particularly minors, on digital platforms, empowers regulatory bodies to impose hefty fines on platforms that violate its provisions. Violations of the DSA can result in significant financial penalties and potential bans for digital platforms.

TikTok, with its vast user base, faces potential fines amounting to several hundred million euros for violations of the DSA and GDPR. In 2023, the EU imposed a fine of 345 million euros on TikTok for data protection breaches. This was followed by a 530 million euro fine from the Irish Data Protection Commission in 2025.

Under the DSA, platforms found guilty of repeated and serious violations could face a total ban from operating in Europe. The DSA aims to act as a brake on net giants, ensuring they adhere to strict data protection standards to safeguard the privacy and security of their users.

The European Commission's action against TikTok is part of a broader effort to ensure the protection of users, particularly minors, on digital platforms. The Commission's move underscores the importance of compliance with the DSA, as violations can lead to substantial fines, potentially reaching up to 6% of a platform's global annual turnover.

The investigation into TikTok is one of several ongoing cases under the DSA. As digital services continue to play an increasingly significant role in our lives, the enforcement of regulations like the DSA becomes increasingly crucial to protect the rights and privacy of users.