TikTok unveils new measures ahead of EU Digital Services Act

FILE PHOTO: EU flag and TikTok logo are seen in this illustration taken, on June 2, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

LONDON — Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok has announced a raft of new features for European users aimed at improving compliance with incoming European Union regulations.

Under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), TikTok’s owner ByteDance, Alphabet unit Google, and other large online platforms will be required to police illegal content on their platforms, prohibit certain advertising practices, and share data with authorities.

READ: European Parliament latest EU body to ban TikTok from staff phones

But after TikTok agreed to a voluntary “stress test” last month, EU industry chief Thierry Breton said “more work” was needed for the firm to be fully compliant.

“TikTok is dedicating significant resources to compliance,” Breton told CNN. “Now it’s time to accelerate to be fully compliant.

READ: TikTok expects to be subject to stricter EU online content rules

On Friday, the firm revealed new measures it had taken to comply with the DSA: making it easier for European users to report illegal content, allowing them to turn off personalized recommendations for videos, and removing targeted advertising for users aged 13-17.

“We will continue to not only meet our regulatory obligations, but also strive to set new standards through innovative solutions,” the company said.

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