Commissioner McGrath raises 'SkinnyTok' concerns with TikTok CEO
Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, has held an online meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Chew.
In a statement, Mr McGrath described it as a constructive meeting during which a number of items were discussed including data protection and data flows, consumer protection, the Commission's plans for a Digital Fairness Act, the protection of minors online, and plans for a European Democracy Shield.
The Commissioner also raised the trend known as 'SkinnyTok', the social media hashtag which promotes often dangerous advice on weight-loss and dieting.
"I raised with Mr Chew the dangers posed to minors in particular by the social media hashtag SkinnyTok," Mr McGrath said.
"I reaffirmed that the protection of minors online is a top priority of the European Commission and there are clear obligations on all social media platforms to ensure children are safe online."
The risks associated with TikTok's algorithms are already part of the investigation opened by the European Commission against TikTok in February 2024.
This investigation is specifically addressing TikTok's mitigation measures in relation to harmful algorithmic recommendation, including in relation to eating disorders.
"For his part, Mr Chew said TikTok is taking the matter very seriously and is engaging with Commission officials in the context of the application of the Digital Services Act to ensure the required mitigation is in place," Mr McGrath said.
"This is a live investigation which will take its course in the normal way but I felt it was important to reiterate the Commission's strong stance on child protection," he added.
In a statement to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, TikTok said it has "strict rules" against dangerous weight loss behaviours on its platform, and the app offers several wellbeing resources, ways to connect with experts.
It added that for teenage viewers, some content with harmful body ideals is age restricted.
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Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, has held an online meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Chew. In a statement, Mr McGrath described it as a constructive meeting during which a number of items were discussed including data protection and data flows, consumer protection, the Commission's plans for a Digital Fairness Act, the protection of minors online, and plans for a European Democracy Shield. The Commissioner also raised the trend known as 'SkinnyTok', the social media hashtag which promotes often dangerous advice on weight-loss and dieting. "I raised with Mr Chew the dangers posed to minors in particular by the social media hashtag SkinnyTok," Mr McGrath said. "I reaffirmed that the protection of minors online is a top priority of the European Commission and there are clear obligations on all social media platforms to ensure children are safe online." The risks associated with TikTok's algorithms are already part of the investigation opened by the European Commission against TikTok in February 2024. This investigation is specifically addressing TikTok's mitigation measures in relation to harmful algorithmic recommendation, including in relation to eating disorders. "For his part, Mr Chew said TikTok is taking the matter very seriously and is engaging with Commission officials in the context of the application of the Digital Services Act to ensure the required mitigation is in place," Mr McGrath said. "This is a live investigation which will take its course in the normal way but I felt it was important to reiterate the Commission's strong stance on child protection," he added. In a statement to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, TikTok said it has "strict rules" against dangerous weight loss behaviours on its platform, and the app offers several wellbeing resources, ways to connect with experts. It added that for teenage viewers, some content with harmful body ideals is age restricted.
