Comply with the new digital rules

The European Union’s head of digital policy warned TikTok’s bosses on Thursday that the social networking app will have to comply with tough new rules for online platforms that will take effect. force by the end of this year.

EU Commissioner Thierry Breton held a video call with Shou Zi Chew, CEO of TikTok, the popular Chinese-owned video-sharing app that is under closer scrutiny by Western authorities over concerns shy about data securityCybersecurity and misinformation.

The two discussed the bloc’s plans to comply with the Digital Services Act, which will take effect for the largest online companies in September. The act is a sweeping set of rules that will go into effect. require reduced platforms harmful online content and against online risks.

“For younger audiences, the responsibility is greater,” Breton said, according to the text of the call. “It’s unacceptable that behind seemingly innocuous and fun features, it takes a few seconds for users to access malicious and sometimes even life-threatening content.”

Breton added that, with millions of young users in Europe, TikTok has a “special responsibility” to ensure its content is safe.

TikTok is extremely popular with youth but China’s ownership has raised concerns that Beijing could use it to collect user data or push pro-China stories or misinformation. TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company that moved its headquarters to Singapore in 2020.

Earlier this month, Shou met with four other officials from the EU Executive Committee in Brussels to discuss concerns ranging from child safety to investigations into user data flowing into China. In the US, at least 22 states, the military and Congress banned the TikTok app from government-issued devices.

A spokesperson for London-based TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company’s Brussels-based director of government relations and public policy, Caroline Greer, said on Twitter that Breton’s conversation with Shou was a “good exchange” and “user safety” Ours is paramount.”

Breton said he is also concerned about allegations that TikTok is spying on journalists and mass transferring personal data. user data outside of Europe, violating the strict privacy rules of the 27-nation bloc.

Bretaon said he has “clearly communicated” to Shou that TikTok needs to “strengthen its efforts to comply” with EU rules on data protection, copyright, and At Digital Services, including heavy fines or even a ban from the EU for recidivism that threatens human life and safety.

“We will not hesitate to apply the full scope of sanctions to protect our citizens if the audits do not show full compliance,” he said.

Greer said TikTok “welcomes the opportunity” to reiterate its commitment to the Digital Services Act and outline efforts to comply with EU privacy rules and voluntary codes of practice. about disinformation for tech companies.

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