TikTok Disputes Italian Antitrust Fine

Popular video-sharing platform TikTok has expressed its disagreement with the decision of Italy’s antitrust authority to impose a hefty fine of 10 million euros. The fine was levied on the social media app over allegations of its failure to adequately safeguard minors and other vulnerable users from potentially harmful content.

A spokesperson for TikTok, a Chinese-owned company, addressed the issue on Thursday, asserting the platform’s stance against the antitrust decision. “We disagree with this decision,” the spokesperson stated, emphasizing TikTok’s commitment to user safety and well-being.

The spokesperson further elaborated on the specifics of the case, highlighting the minimal impact of the content in question. “The content linked to the so-called ‘French scar’ registered a daily average of just 100 searches per day in Italy before the Antitrust authority announced the start of its investigation last year,” they explained.

Moreover, TikTok underscored its proactive measures to mitigate the visibility of potentially harmful content, particularly among younger users. “We have long since reduced the visibility of such content to users under the age of 18, even excluding them from the ‘For You’ page,” the spokesperson added, emphasizing the platform’s efforts to create a safer online environment.

Related: US House Passes Bill to Force ByteDance’s Divestment of TikTok Assets

The statement reflects TikTok’s ongoing dedication to addressing concerns related to user safety and content moderation. The platform has been consistently enhancing its policies and implementing technological solutions to ensure a positive and secure experience for its diverse user base.

However, despite TikTok’s rebuttal, the antitrust authority’s decision underscores the growing scrutiny faced by social media platforms regarding their responsibility to protect vulnerable users from harmful content. This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in regulating digital platforms operating on a global scale, as authorities strive to strike a balance between innovation, freedom of expression, and user safety.

Source: Ansa