TikTok Gets EU Warning Over Violent Videos, Disinformation From Hamas-Israel War Reported on App
variety.comTodd Spangler NY Digital Editor The European Union has issued a warning to TikTok over reports that the app is being used to “disseminate illegal content and disinformation” related to the Hamas-Israel conflict in violation of EU law, including “violent content depicting hostage taking and other graphic videos.” In a letter to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, EU commissioner Thierry Breton wrote, “Following the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel, we have indications that TikTok is being used to disseminate illegal content and disinformation in the EU.
Let me remind you that the Digital Services Act sets very precise obligations regarding content moderation.” He requested a “prompt, accurate and complete response to this request within the next 24 hours.” Breton’s notice to TikTok comes after he sent similar warnings to X/Twitter owner Elon Musk and Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg.
X CEO Linda Yaccarino responded early Thursday, saying the social network has removed or applied labels to “thousands” of posts suspected of including disinformation.
Asked for comment a TikTok spokesperson referred to recent blog posts about its compliance with the EU’s DSA law (here and here).
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