TikTok Prepares For European Union’s Digital Services Act

Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok has agreed to voluntarily undergo a ‘stress test’ in preparation for the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA is set to go into effect on August 25th, and puts in place sweeping new standards for large online platforms, including TikTok, Alphabet unit Google, and Meta.

Thierry Breton, EU Industry Chief, recently released a statement, saying, “Recent events have shown the impact TikTok has on democracies–and how important independent EU enforcement is.” Breton praised TikTok’s decision to voluntarily undergo a ‘stress test’, tweeting, “TikTok voluntarily agreed to perform a #StressTest to prepare for #DSA. Constructive debrief with CEO Shou Zi Chew. Now is the time to accelerate to be fully compliant.”

Under the EU’s Digital Services Act, responsibility for removing illegal content rests on the online platforms themselves. Companies must employ independent auditing, ensure the risk of such content is managed adequately, and share data with authorities for further accuracy. Those who don’t comply face hefty fines.

Read more: Professors Hit Texas’ TikTok Ban With First Amendment Suit

Caroline Greer, TikTok’s Brussels-based Public Policy Official, mentioned that the company is “fully committed to implementing the DSA and enhancing transparency and accountability.” Results from their ‘stress test’ conducted at the company’s Dublin office showed that “more work is needed to be fully ready” for August’s enactment.

TikTok is widely known for its lip-syncing and dance videos, but it has also increasingly become a way for everyday citizens to communicate their thoughts and views. Recent events have opened the public’s eyes to the great power the platform holds. With the Digital Services Act set to enact in a matter of weeks, it is essential to ensure that this type of power is managed in the most responsible manner possible, and TikTok is doing its part to make that happen.

Source: Finance Yahoo