The European Union's recent directive to Alphabet's YouTube and TikTok, setting a November 30 deadline for them to detail their child protection measures, is a significant development in the ongoing effort to ensure online safety for minors. This action is part of the EU's broader strategy to regulate Big Tech companies under the new Digital Services Act (DSA).
The EU's focus on these platforms stems from their immense popularity and influence, especially among younger audiences. The Commission's request for information is an attempt to scrutinize and understand the steps these companies have taken to safeguard children from illegal and harmful content. The urgency of this matter is highlighted by the fact that non-compliance with the DSA can result in hefty fines, up to 6% of a company's global turnover.
This initiative aligns with the EU's proactive stance in digital regulation, emphasizing the responsibility of tech giants in moderating content and protecting vulnerable users. It also reflects a growing global concern about the impact of digital platforms on children and teenagers, who are increasingly exposed to various risks online, including exposure to inappropriate content and disinformation.
EU industry chief Thierry Breton's recent interactions with executives from TikTok and Alphabet highlight the seriousness of the EU's intentions. Breton's reminder to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew about countering disinformation and his conversation with Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai about child protection obligations underscore the EU's commitment to ensuring these platforms are safe for all users, especially minors.
The responses from YouTube and TikTok, expected by the end of November, will shed light on their current practices and future commitments to child safety online. This will also guide the European Commission's next steps in ensuring that these global platforms comply with the DSA's stringent requirements. The outcome of this process could set a precedent for how digital services are regulated worldwide, particularly concerning the protection of younger internet users.