TikTok receives warning from EU over spreading fake news about Hamas attacks
The European Union has warned TikTok about “disinformation” spreading on the platform after Hamas’ attack on Israel.
EU Commissioner Thierry Breton called on TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chu to “urgently step up” his efforts and explain “within the next 24 hours” how the company complies with European law.
#TikTok has a particular obligation to protect children & teenagers from violent content & terrorist propaganda – as well as death challenges & potentially life-threatening content.#DSA sets out very clear obligations TikTok must comply with.
Letter to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew⤵️ pic.twitter.com/J1tpVzXaYR
– Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) October 12, 2023
He emphasized that TikTok should be mindful of its popularity among young people.
TikTok has a special obligation to protect children and adolescents from violent content and terrorist propaganda.
Thierry Breton
EU steps up efforts to combat fake news on social media
In August 2023, the EU Digital Services Act (DSA) came into force. It requires the so-called very large online platforms to proactively remove “illegal content” and demonstrate the results of the measures taken to do so.
Violators of the law face a fine of 6% of the company’s global turnover or suspension from the EU.
Prior to that, Elon Musk’s X received a similar warning. Breton also appealed to Meta about the spread of disinformation on the company’s platforms.
As a reminder, the EU recently launched an official investigation against X over fake news about a Hamas attack.
