Ireland probes TikTok and LinkedIn over illegal content reporting lapses

DUBLIN: Ireland has opened an investigation into TikTok and LinkedIn for allegedly failing to meet European Union requirements on reporting illegal online content, the country’s digital regulator announced on Tuesday.

Digital Services Commissioner John Evans said there is “reason to suspect” that the platforms’ reporting systems are difficult to access, not user-friendly, and do not allow anonymous reporting of child sexual abuse material. He added that parts of the interface design may discourage users from flagging illegal content.

Such shortcomings would amount to violations of the EU’s landmark Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into force in December 2023. Under the DSA, major tech platforms operating in the EU can face fines of up to six percent of their global annual revenue.

While the European Commission oversees most enforcement of the DSA, national regulators also play a key role for platforms headquartered in their countries. Both TikTok and LinkedIn are based in Ireland, which last month also opened a separate probe into Elon Musk’s X over its content moderation practices.

A TikTok spokesperson said the company is aware of the investigation and remains committed to keeping the platform safe. “We will review the details in full and engage with the regulator as required,” the spokesperson added.