Italy: Announced AGCM investigation into TikTok over alleged failure to remove content classified as dangerous

On 21 March 2023, the Italian Competition Authority (Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato- AGCM) opened an investigation into TikTok over its alleged failure to moderate content displayed on the platform. The AGCM claims that the TikTok platform has not applied its content moderation Guidelines and failed to remove harmful content, such as content inciting suicide, self-harm and improper nutrition. The AGCM investigation was opened following reports on an increasing number of video content on the "french scar" depicting young individuals, including minors, who adopt "self-injurious behaviour." Furthermore, AGCM stated that it would investigate the TikTok content recommendation algorithm, alleging that the artificial intelligence techniques employed by TikTok are capable of causing "undue influence" on users. Finally, the AGCM will investigate the measures implemented by TikTok to address harmful content displayed and advertised on its platform.