Archive · 24 Jul 2026
EU Accuses TikTok of Child Safety Risks
The European Union has accused TikTok of not doing enough to protect children on its platform.
They say that children's accounts should be private by default to keep them safe from cyberbullying and bad people.
TikTok says they already have many safety features and that accounts for users under 18 are private by default.
The EU is investigating and could fine TikTok if they find the concerns to be true.
TikTok says they will review the findings and work with the EU.
The EU is also planning new rules to ban children under 13 from using social media and is working on an age verification app to check users' ages.
The EU accused TikTok of failing to protect children adequately, exposing them to cyberbullying and predatory behavior.
The EU investigation found that children's accounts can be public, allowing anyone to view their content.
TikTok responded that teen accounts have over 50 preset privacy and safety features and are private by default for users under 18.
The EU could fine TikTok up to 6% of its total worldwide annual turnover if the concerns are confirmed.
The EU is planning new rules to ban children under 13 from using social media and is developing an age verification app.
- Who
- European Union, TikTok
- What
- EU accuses TikTok of failing to protect children adequately
- When
- July 24, 2024
- Where
- European Union
- Why
- To ensure compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA) and protect children from cyberbullying and predatory behavior
EU's Concerns
TikTok's Response
Account Visibility
EU's Concerns
Children's accounts should be private by default to prevent exposure to cyberbullying and predatory behavior.
TikTok's Response
Teen accounts have over 50 preset privacy and safety features, and accounts under 18 are private by default.
Compliance with DSA
EU's Concerns
TikTok's current settings do not meet the required safety standards under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
TikTok's Response
TikTok is committed to protecting minors and will review the preliminary findings to ensure compliance.
- Date of Accusation
- July 24, 2024
- Investigation Launched
- 2024
- Potential Fine
- Up to 6% of TikTok's total worldwide annual turnover
- EU Tech Chief
- Henna Virkkunen
- DSA Requirement
- Strongest safety and security protections by default for children's accounts
- TikTok's Response
- Committed to protecting minors and will review findings