TikTok is making waves again, this time with a change raising eyebrows on both sides of the English Channel.
Users in the UK are set to face a different, potentially riskier version of the app compared to their European counterparts as the company navigates new regulations set by the European Union (EU).
Starting at the end of August, TikTok users across 30 European Economic Area countries will be granted a new level of control over their content experience.
As we previously reported, users can opt out of receiving personalized content recommendations, which currently constitute the backbone of TikTok's "For You Page" (FYP).
This FYP, driven by TikTok's insidiously addictive algorithm, tailors a ceaseless stream of content to each user's interests, resulting in those mesmerizing, seemingly endless scrolls.
Concerns from UK
But here's the catch: the same safeguard will not be available to TikTok enthusiasts in the UK. This glaring omission comes as TikTok prepares to comply with the EU's new Digital Services Act (DSA), a legislative effort to ensure users have more say in their online experiences.
The DSA mandates that platforms with over 45 million users, termed "very large online platforms," must allow users to switch off personalized content recommendations.
The Guardian reports that while this new regulation is set to benefit EU users, the UK is left in a peculiar position due to the DSA's exclusion. TikTok's reasoning lies in the fact that the DSA's provisions do not apply to the UK.
However, critics have voiced concerns over this dichotomy, suggesting that TikTok should extend these enhanced safety measures to users worldwide, regardless of geographical location.
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Critics Voice Concerns
One of the most vocal critics is Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate. He highlights research that showcases TikTok's algorithm surfacing harmful content, from videos linked to self-harm and eating disorders to content designed to keep users endlessly hooked.
Ahmed argues that since TikTok has already developed the functionality to opt out of personalized recommendations, it would be "frankly ridiculous" not to make it universally accessible.
TikTok Rolls Out Changes
TikTok's adaptation to these regulations involves not only offering users the option to forego personalized content recommendations but also changes in its approach to content moderation.
We learned in a news release that the platform is set to provide more transparency to users regarding the decisions made in moderating content. For instance, users will be informed if a video contains unverified claims about an ongoing election, rendering it ineligible for recommendations.
Moreover, TikTok will roll out a reporting option that allows users to flag potentially illegal content. TikTok's moderation team will review reported content, globally removing content that violates community guidelines or restricting access based on local laws in the relevant EU member state.
Beyond these changes, TikTok has also shifted its focus to protecting its younger user base aged 13 to 17. The DSA stipulates that personalized advertising won't be served to this age group in Europe, offering them a safer and more privacy-focused experience.
The ripple effects of these EU regulations extend beyond TikTok. Other major platforms like Instagram and YouTube, heavily reliant on algorithmic recommendations for user engagement and advertising revenue, are expected to implement similar changes.
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