Tiktok Charged With Breaching Eu Online Content Rules 2025 05 15
Reuters1 day
European Commission Finds TikTok in Breach of Digital Services Act
Above: A TikTok logo seen displayed on a smartphone with the European Union flag in the background. Image copyright: LIONEL BONAVENTURE/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Advertising repository requirements are fundamental to protecting public safety. Without proper transparency in online advertising, it's impossible to detect and prevent coordinated disinformation campaigns, election interference, and scam advertisements. TikTok's failure to provide comprehensive information about ad targeting and funding sources creates significant risks for European democracy.
Narrative B
Despite political pressure and unfounded accusations, TikTok's transparency reports show it is responsibly managing its platform under the EU's overreaching Digital Services Act. TikTok sets the standard in AI labeling, disinformation control, and open reporting. Meanwhile, the DSA's vague rules and sweeping powers risk stifling free speech. The EU should fix its flawed law before pointing fingers.