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
**Interview with Dr. Lisa Harmon, Digital Safety Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Harmon. Recently, the European Commissioner Thierry Breton issued a warning to TikTok regarding the spread of misinformation, particularly in relation to content that could harm young users. What are your thoughts on this situation?
**Dr. Harmon:** Thank you for having me. I think Commissioner Breton’s concerns are critically important, especially given the platform’s immense popularity among younger audiences. TikTok has a responsibility to ensure that it provides a safe and informative environment for its users, and the spread of misinformation can have serious implications for public health and safety.
**Interviewer:** In his letter, Breton emphasized the platform’s responsibility in safeguarding against violent content, but misinformation about health topics, such as birth control, is also prominent. How does this type of misinformation impact users?
**Dr. Harmon:** Misinformation, especially regarding health, can be particularly harmful. For example, there are viral claims on TikTok linking IUDs to various health issues without scientific backing [[1](https://www.salon.com/2024/11/25/tiktok-is-being-flooded-with-birth-control-misinformation-is-it-stopping-women-from-taking-it/)]. These videos can create unnecessary fear and lead to individuals avoiding effective contraceptive options, which ultimately affects personal health and population health. The potential for misinformation to discourage individuals from seeking legitimate medical advice is alarming.
**Interviewer:** What solutions do you believe TikTok and similar platforms should implement to combat misinformation?
**Dr. Harmon:** First and foremost, platforms need to invest in stronger moderation tools that can quickly identify and flag misleading content. Collaborating with medical professionals and credible organizations to fact-check information before it gains traction is crucial. Additionally, implementing educational campaigns that promote accurate health information directly to users could significantly improve understanding and awareness.
**Interviewer:** With regulations tightening and pressure mounting from officials like Breton, do you think platforms like TikTok can adapt quickly enough to address these issues?
**Dr. Harmon:** Adapting to these challenges will require a commitment to both technological innovation and ethical responsibility. While platforms are capable of rapid changes, the real question is whether they prioritize user safety over profit. Communities of users, especially those that are most vulnerable, deserve platforms that prioritize their well-being. Regulatory pressures can help motivate necessary changes, but ultimately, it’s in the platforms’ hands to take meaningful action.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Harmon. Your insights into the responsibilities of social media platforms, especially regarding misinformation, provide significant food for thought.
**Dr. Harmon:** Thank you for having me. It’s a critical conversation to keep having as we navigate these increasingly complex digital landscapes.