**TikTok Faces Regulatory Heat in Europe and US**
(TikTok Faces Regulatory Challenges in European and US Markets)
TikTok, the popular social media app, is under increased scrutiny from regulators in Europe and the United States. Officials worry about user safety and data security.
In Europe, the European Commission has formally launched an investigation into TikTok. The probe focuses on the app’s compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA), a major new law governing online platforms. Concerns include risks to minors, addictive design features, and the transparency of TikTok’s advertising practices. The investigation also examines TikTok’s privacy measures for users and its system for researchers to study the platform. If found in violation of the DSA, TikTok could face substantial fines.
This European action follows earlier steps by the EU. TikTok had already received requests for information about its risk assessments concerning child protection. The company provided some answers but regulators deemed them insufficient, leading to the deeper probe.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, US lawmakers are moving against TikTok. The US House of Representatives recently passed a significant bill. This bill demands that TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sell the app within roughly six months. Failure to do so would result in TikTok being banned from US app stores and web hosting services. Supporters argue this is necessary to safeguard American users’ data from potential Chinese government access, a claim TikTok strongly denies. The bill’s future in the US Senate remains uncertain, but its passage in the House signals growing political pressure.
(TikTok Faces Regulatory Challenges in European and US Markets)
TikTok maintains its operations are safe and secure. The company states it has invested heavily in protecting users, especially teenagers, and keeping data away from external influences. TikTok argues a forced sale is impractical and unfair. The company is actively lobbying US Senators to oppose the bill.
