Italy’s antitrust authority, the Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM), has slapped a hefty €10 million (around $10.9 million) fine on TikTok for failing to adequately safeguard children on its platform.
This action follows concerns raised regarding the “French scar challenge,” a dangerous trend circulating on the app that involves pinching one’s cheeks severely to leave lasting marks. The AGCM highlighted TikTok’s inadequate content moderation mechanisms, particularly concerning content that could potentially endanger minors and vulnerable users.
Cause for Concern:
The fine comes amidst growing scrutiny towards social media platforms and their efforts to protect younger users. A recent investigation by the AGCM revealed that the algorithm feeding content to users “systematically re-proposed” harmful content based on a user’s profile, potentially leading to further engagement and exposure to such material.
This echoes concerns raised by the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in April 2023, which fined TikTok £12.7 million ($15.9 million) for allowing over 1.4 million underage users to access the platform.
Wider Context:
The Italian fine adds to the mounting pressure on TikTok. The European Union (EU) launched a formal investigation into the platform in February 2024, suspecting breaches of child protection obligations outlined in the Digital Services Act (DSA), a recently implemented law regulating online content. Additionally, the EU hit TikTok with a €345 million fine in September 2023 for violating child data privacy regulations.
Moving Forward:
The Italian watchdog’s decision serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility social media platforms hold towards ensuring child safety. Experts emphasize the need for stricter content moderation policies, robust age verification systems, and increased transparency regarding algorithmic processes.
While TikTok has reportedly implemented measures to restrict the “French scar challenge” content, the AGCM’s fine underscores the ongoing challenge of effectively protecting children in the digital landscape.
