The European Commission has charged TikTok with violating key provisions of the Digital Services Act (DSA), potentially subjecting parent company ByteDance to a fine of up to 6% of its global turnover, Reuters reports.
The charges stem from an investigation launched in February 2023, in which EU regulators determined that TikTok failed to meet DSA requirements for online ad transparency. Specifically, TikTok allegedly did not maintain a publicly accessible advertisement repository, a critical tool meant to help researchers and users identify scam ads and understand targeting practices.
“Transparency in online advertising — who pays and how audiences are targeted — is essential to safeguarding the public interest,” said EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen.
According to the Commission, TikTok has not provided sufficient details about ad content, targeted demographics, or sponsorships — all mandated by the DSA to ensure platforms are accountable for harmful or illegal content and opaque ad practices.
In response, a TikTok spokesperson said the company supports the regulation’s goals but disputes the Commission’s interpretation, stating:
“Guidance is being delivered via preliminary findings rather than clear, public guidelines… A level playing field and consistent enforcement are essential.”
TikTok, which is also under a separate EU probe for election-related risks, can now review the findings and submit a formal response before a final ruling is made.
