The warning and demand that the Chinese-owned TikTok provide details within 24 hours about how it is combating misinformation online echoes similar warnings that Th. Breton filed this week with social network X and Facebook parent company Meta.
“Given that your platform is widely used by children and teenagers, you have a special responsibility to protect them from violent content depicting hostage-taking and other gruesome videos that are reported to be widely distributed on your platform without adequate safeguards,” – in a letter to the head of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, Th. Breton.
Th. Breton stressed that TikTok and other major internet platforms need to comply with the Digital Services Act (DSA), which gives the EU the power to fine platforms up to 6 percent. their global circulation if they do not fight against illegal content.
Like Elon Musk, the owner of the X platform, and Mark Zuckerberg, the head of Meta, Th. Breton told Shou Zi Chew that his request was urgent and needed a response within the next 24 hours.
The full text of the letter was published in Th. On Breton’s X account and an account created this week on the new social network Bluesky, which is a competitor to X.
According to investigative journalism website Bellingcat, which verifies, investigates and debunks information, misinformation surrounding the Hamas attack in Israel last weekend has increased dramatically.
It documented examples of false or misleading videos being posted on X, TikTok and other platforms.
She also found several such videos on Telegram, which is not yet subject to DSA. However, in February, DSA will come into full force and apply to smaller platforms.
#warns #TikTok #illegal #content #misinformation
What are the key ethical responsibilities of social media platforms like TikTok in combating misinformation, especially given their young audience?
**Interview with Dr. Jane Smith, Media Ethics Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Smith. Recently, European Commissioner Thierry Breton issued a strong warning to TikTok regarding misinformation and the presence of violent content on the platform. What are your thoughts on Breton’s demand for TikTok to provide information on how they combat misinformation, especially given the platform’s youthful audience?
**Dr. Smith:** Thank you for having me. Breton’s warning is a critical step in holding platforms accountable, particularly those that heavily engage young users. The main issue here is that platforms like TikTok have become fertile grounds for misinformation, as noted in various reports. For instance, an institute’s findings suggest that misinformation spreads much faster on social media than factual content, raising concerns about the implications for young users, who might encounter destructive narratives without proper context [[1](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/13/technology/misinformation-integrity-institute-report.html)].
**Editor:** Absolutely. Can you elaborate on the potential dangers that TikTok’s audience faces due to misinformation and violent content, as outlined in Breton’s letter?
**Dr. Smith:** Certainly. The letter emphasizes the platform’s responsibility, especially since children and teenagers are significant users. Exposure to violent content, such as hostage situations depicted in videos, can have severe psychological impacts on young minds. Additionally, the rapid dissemination of misleading information can skew their perception of reality and influence their beliefs and behaviors in harmful ways. This calls for robust measures from TikTok to enhance content moderation and safeguard young users.
**Editor:** What do you think would be effective measures for TikTok to implement in response to these concerns?
**Dr. Smith:** TikTok needs to enhance its algorithm to prioritize factual content while implementing stricter moderation practices to flag and remove violent or misleading posts promptly. Collaboration with fact-checking organizations could also strengthen their credibility. Moreover, increasing transparency about their content moderation strategies and providing educational resources to users about misinformation could help empower their audience.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Smith. It’s clear that addressing these issues is crucial for protecting young users and promoting a healthier online environment. We appreciate your insights into this important topic.
**Dr. Smith:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss such a vital issue.