"TikTok charged with breaching EU tech rules on online safety for kids, EU says", 24 July 2026

ByteDance's social media ‌platform TikTok has been charged with breaching EU online content rules due to design features which could expose children to predators or cyberbullying, EU regulators said on Friday, putting the company at risk of a hefty fine.The charges, ​called preliminary findings under the Digital Services Act which requires Big Tech to do more ​to tackle illegal and harmful content, are the fourth allegation against TikTok in ⁠two years.

The European Commission, which serves as the EU tech enforcer, said TikTok accounts fall ​short of DSA safety standards.

TikTok said it would review the EU findings and work constructively with the regulator.

"Teen accounts on TikTok have more than 50 preset privacy and safety features, informed by experts, from the moment they set up an account," the company said. "Under 18 accounts are private by default and we are ​one of the only ​platforms where younger teens ⁠cannot use direct messaging or have their content eligible to appear in the For You feed," it said.

TikTok can now examine the Commission's documents and ​respond before the watchdog issues a decision that could include a fine ​of as ⁠much as 6% of its global annual turnover... The company offered concessions to stave off fines in two ​previous cases while a third case is still ongoing.