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European Commission Finds TikTok in Breach of Digital Services Act

Published MAY 16 2025

Story

Above: A TikTok logo seen displayed on a smartphone with the European Union flag in the background. Image credit: LIONEL BONAVENTURE/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

The Facts

The European Commission (EC) has informed TikTok of preliminary findings that the platform failed to meet Digital Services Act (DSA) requirements by not providing adequate advertising transparency, specifically regarding ad content, targeting information, and payment sources.
Politico
Shaping Europe’s digital future
Euractiv
The investigation, launched in February 2024, found that TikTok's ad repository lacks comprehensive search capabilities and essential information needed for researchers and civil society to detect scam advertisements and disinformation campaigns.
Euractiv
European Commission
Reuters
If confirmed, these violations could result in fines up to 6% of TikTok's global annual revenue, with the Commission having authority to impose additional periodic penalty payments to ensure compliance with remedial measures.
Reuters
European Commission
This marks the second platform to receive DSA warnings after X, with the Commission's investigation also examining other aspects, including addictive design features, minor protection, and researcher data access.
Euractiv
Politico
The DSA, fully implemented as of Feb. 17, 2024, requires online platforms to combat illegal content, ensure transparency, and protect user rights, with stricter rules for platforms reaching over 45 million EU users.
European Commission
TikTok maintains the right to defend itself by examining investigation documents and responding to preliminary findings, while the European Board for Digital Services will be consulted during the process.
Reuters
European Commission

Sources Split

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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.

European Commission

Shaping Europe’s digital future

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.

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