Italy: Issued ruling in AGCM investigation into TikTok over alleged failure to remove content classified as dangerous

On 6 March 2024, the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) ruled in an investigation into TikTok over its failure to moderate content displayed on the platform and imposed a fine of EUR 10 million. The investigation found TikTok responsible for disseminating content that could potentially harm the psycho-physical safety of users, particularly minors and vulnerable individuals. The platform's controls on circulating content were deemed inadequate, and the company was found to be in violation of its own guidelines, which it had assured consumers made the platform a "safe" space. The content, despite its potential danger, was distributed through a "recommendation system” based on algorithmic user profiling, which encouraged increased use of the platform and, consequently, increased advertising revenue.