EU TikTok users safer than UK counterparts from personalized algorithm

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The Guardian
13 Aug 2023 23:33

A recent report by The Guardian shows that UK TikTok users will be exposed to a less safe environment compared to EU TikTok users, who would be protected by the EU's Digital Services Act.

An AFP collaborator poses for a picture using the TikTok app on December 14, 2018, in Paris. (AFP via Getty Images)

A recent report by The Guardian shows that UK-based TikTok users might experience a "less safe" and "more toxic" version of the app compared to their European counterparts due to a discrepancy in the application of EU rules.

As of the end of August, TikTok users across 30 European Economic Area (EEA) countries will be able to opt out of personalized content recommendations, following the EU's Digital Services Act. This alteration means the "For You" page and live feeds will feature popular videos from their region and globally, rather than tailored content based on past activity.

However, TikTok has no immediate plans to extend this option to UK users. A company spokesperson stated that the changes are specific to EEA users, aligning with the EU regulations.

Currently, TikTok's personalized algorithm relies heavily on tracking and user profiling to deliver content recommendations, a feature that has contributed to its immense popularity, surpassing platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook in the UK, particularly among those aged three to 17.

While the EU's Digital Services Act mandates platforms with over 45 million users to offer an opt-out for personalized recommendations, the UK is pursuing its own regulatory framework. The upcoming online safety bill, expected to become law later this year, will require companies to empower users with tools to shape their content consumption.

Critics like Andy Burrows, an expert in digital child safety, have urged TikTok to extend this non-personalized feed option to UK users, regardless of legal mandates, to ensure a safer online environment.

A poll conducted back in July showed that 3 in 5 Americans believe TikTok is a threat to their national security.

64% of the 5,101 Americans polled reported that they were "very or somewhat concerned" about the app's data use policies.

TikTok was viewed as a national security concern by 70% of Republican and Republican-leaning respondents, compared to 53% of Democratic and Democratic-leaning respondents.

Over two-thirds of those aged 65 and up considered TikTok as a national security concern, compared to 49% of those aged 18 to 29.