TikTok Under Increasing European Scrutiny: Youth Safety Concerns and Regulatory Challenges

| Editorial Team On 23 May, 2025

TikTok Faces Increased European Scrutiny Over Youth Safety Concerns

The European Union is intensifying its oversight of TikTok, with multiple nations considering strict restrictions on youth access to social media platforms amid growing concerns about harmful content trends. The scrutiny specifically targets TikTok's algorithmic amplification of potentially dangerous content like "SkinnyTok." For businesses looking to navigate these changes, understanding TikTok's evolving business marketing landscape is crucial.

EU's Push for Stricter Controls

The European Commission has launched an investigation into TikTok's content recommendation system, particularly focusing on how its algorithm promotes potentially harmful trends. The "SkinnyTok" phenomenon has become especially concerning, as the platform's recommendation system automatically serves up videos glorifying extreme weight loss and unrealistic body standards.

Several EU member states, led by Greece, are proposing new measures requiring parental consent for social media access. France is suggesting age restrictions for users under 16, mirroring similar initiatives in Australia. These restrictions could significantly impact platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, which have substantial young user bases. As content moderation becomes more stringent, creators should understand how to manage their TikTok content effectively.

Regulatory Challenges and Business Impact

TikTok's European operations already face considerable challenges. The platform has:

Invested billions in establishing regional data centers
Received substantial fines for transferring EU user data to China
Implemented systematic updates to separate European user information

The potential new restrictions pose additional complications for TikTok's business model. With ongoing struggles in the U.S. market, maintaining a strong presence in Europe has become crucial for the platform's global viability. However, the company remains protective of its algorithmic systems, which may conflict with increasing regulatory demands for transparency and control. These changes are particularly significant for businesses utilizing TikTok's advertising platform for e-commerce.

Impact on Platform Users

The outcome of these regulatory efforts could reshape how social media platforms operate in Europe, particularly regarding youth protection and content distribution algorithms. Users can expect enhanced content filtering, stricter age verification processes, and more transparent algorithmic recommendations. For more information about TikTok's safety measures, visit the European Commission's Digital Services Act page.

Parents will gain improved control over their children's social media access, while users under 16 may experience restricted platform functionality. Content creators and businesses must adapt to these evolving regulations while maintaining engagement within the platform's guidelines.