European Union: European Commission issued request for information to TikTok concerning risk assessments and addictive design features under Digital Services Act

On 19 October 2023, the European Commission sent a request for information to TikTok under the Digital Services Act, focusing on the platform’s risk assessments and mitigation measures for systemic risks linked to service design and user behaviour. The request asked TikTok to explain how its risk assessment addressed features that may contribute to addictive use patterns, including recommender systems and engagement-driven design, and how these risks are mitigated, particularly for minors. The Commission also requested information on how TikTok assessed and mitigated risks related to the dissemination of illegal content and disinformation, including in the context of elections, insofar as these risks interact with engagement optimisation and amplification mechanisms. TikTok was required to submit information on crisis-related measures, including those linked to the Israel-Palestine conflict, by 25 October 2023, and to provide information on election integrity and the protection of minors by 8 November 2023. The Commission indicated that it may impose fines under Article 74 of the Digital Services Act for incomplete, incorrect, or misleading information, or initiate further proceedings based on its assessment of TikTok’s responses.