In a landmark move that signals Europe's growing determination to rein in Big Tech, Brussels has launched formal investigations against both Meta and TikTok under the groundbreaking Digital Services Act (DSA).
The European Commission announced on Thursday that it suspects both platforms of multiple violations that could put young users at risk and create unfair advantages in the digital advertising market.
What's Under Scrutiny?
For Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, regulators are focusing on several critical areas:
- Addictive algorithms: Potential psychological hooks that keep users endlessly scrolling
- Child safety concerns: Whether age verification tools are effective enough
- Advertising transparency: Suspicion of unfair ad practices that disadvantage competitors
- Political content: Scrutiny around election-related misinformation ahead of key European votes
TikTok faces similar heat, with particular focus on its addictive design features and protective measures for minors navigating the video-sharing platform.
The Stakes Are High
This isn't just another regulatory slap on the wrist. The DSA represents Europe's most ambitious digital legislation to date, carrying the threat of massive fines up to 6% of global annual turnover for non-compliance.
European Commissioner Thierry Breton emphasised the seriousness of the situation, stating that protecting both children and democratic processes remains an "enforcement priority" for the Commission.
Broader Tech Crackdown
The investigations come as part of a wider European effort to hold technology behemoths accountable. The DSA, which fully came into effect in February, requires large online platforms to:
- Implement robust content moderation systems
- Provide greater advertising transparency
- Share internal data with regulators
- Conduct comprehensive risk assessments
Both companies now face intense scrutiny that could set precedents for how digital platforms operate across the European Union and potentially influence global standards.
As the proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on Brussels to see whether Europe's bold regulatory framework can effectively tame the world's most powerful tech giants.
