Ireland’s media regulator has opened investigations into TikTok and LinkedIn over concerns about their reporting tools for illegal content. The probe will check if the platforms follow the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Authorities are particularly focused on how easy it is to report illegal content and whether users can report child sexual abuse material anonymously.
Coimisiún na Meán, the Irish regulator, started reviewing digital platforms in September 2024. Officials noticed that many users struggled to report illegal content. The main concern was that some reporting systems confused users. Instead of reporting illegal content, users accidentally flagged content only for breaking platform rules. This reduced the number of serious reports being made.
The investigation is focusing on two main parts of the DSA. Article 16 requires platforms to have reporting tools that are simple, clear, and allow anonymous reporting. Article 25 bans deceptive designs, sometimes called 'dark patterns,' which trick users into taking wrong actions.
In case of TikTok or LinkedIn being accused of noncompliance, the maximum penalties could be 6% of their worldwide yearly revenue. Ireland is home to the European headquarters of many tech giants, so its regulator plays a key role in enforcing DSA rules across Europe.
This is the second formal DSA investigation by Coimisiún na Meán. Last month, the regulator opened a similar case against X (formerly Twitter). Some other platforms have already improved their reporting systems after earlier discussions with regulators. Authorities say they may take further action if needed.
LinkedIn said it is committed to keeping its platform safe and has tools for reporting illegal content. TikTok has not responded publicly yet.
Experts say the outcome of this investigation could influence how all social media platforms design their reporting tools. The goal is to make it easier for users to report illegal content and help protect children online.
This investigation represents the EU's commitment to online safety. The platforms need to implement systems for users to report the illegal content that would be safe and easy to use, and, at the same time, not confusing or misleading.
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