AGCM imposes fine on TikTok for not complying with safety guidelinesItaly fines TikTok $11M for failing to protect minors from harmful content

Italy's competition authority has imposed a 10 million euro fine (equivalent to almost $11 million) on popular video app, TikTok, for not adequately protecting minors. According to the AGCM watchdog, the company has failed to implement proper mechanisms to monitor and filter out potentially harmful content on the platform. They also stated that this content is continuously being shown to users due to the algorithmic profiling, resulting in an increase in usage of the app.

The fine has been imposed on three units of China's Bytedance group, including TikTok Technology in Ireland, TikTok Information Technologies UK, and TikTok Italy. The watchdog also noted that TikTok did not fully comply with their advertised guidelines, which claimed to make the app a "safe" space for users. They found that these guidelines did not take into account the vulnerability of adolescents, who are more susceptible to believing and copying content they see on social media.

The AGCM highlighted a concerning trend on TikTok, called the "French scar challenge", where children were seen violently pinching their cheeks to create bruising. This dangerous phenomenon was explained through tutorials on the app, causing concern in the education and health sectors. The watchdog noted that this type of "potentially dangerous" content is being promoted through TikTok's recommendation system.

In a statement, TikTok expressed their disagreement with the watchdog's decision. They claimed that before the AGCM's investigation last year, there were only 100 daily searches in Italy for "French Scar" content. They also stated that they have already taken measures to limit the visibility of this content for users under the age of 18 and have made it ineligible for the "For You" feed.

The short-video app has gained immense popularity worldwide, but its ownership by Chinese tech giant ByteDance has raised concerns in Western countries. The US House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would require TikTok to sever ties with its parent company or face a ban in the country. This move is linked to fears of TikTok's alleged subservience to the Chinese government and their potential access to user data.

Steven Russell
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