The European Commission formally accused TikTok of violating the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) by failing to establish a publicly accessible advertising repository, according to Euractiv.
In a preliminary ruling issued on Thursday, Brussels warned the platform could face fines of up to 6% of its global annual revenue unless it rectifies the breaches.
Under the DSA, large online platforms like TikTok are required to maintain a searchable database detailing all active adverts, including information on targeting parameters, sponsors, and content. This repository is deemed vital for researchers and watchdogs to identify scams, disinformation campaigns, and foreign interference, particularly during election periods.
The Commission found TikTok’s current disclosures “insufficient,” leaving users and regulators in the dark about who funds ads or how they are micro-targeted.
The probe, launched in February 2024, marks the first concluded DSA enforcement action against TikTok. However, the platform remains under scrutiny in multiple ongoing investigations, including concerns over its “addictive design,” safeguards for minors, and restricted data access for independent researchers.
A separate inquiry, initiated in December, focuses on TikTok’s alleged role in undermining electoral integrity. This followed Romania’s Supreme Court annulling its 2024 presidential vote amid claims the platform amplified national-oriented candidate’s narratives
While TikTok denies wrongdoing, the case has intensified EU demands for stricter content moderation ahead of June’s European Parliament elections. The ruling also underscores Brussels’ hardening stance on Big Tech accountability.
