Ireland's Tech Watchdog Cracks Down on TikTok and LinkedIn

Well, here we go again. The giants of the tech world are once more under the magnifying glass, this time courtesy of Ireland's very own Data Protection Commission (DPC). It seems both TikTok and LinkedIn, two platforms that dominate vast swathes of our online lives, are now facing formal investigations. And the reason? A pretty serious one, actually: allegations of falling short when it comes to reporting illegal content – specifically, child sexual abuse material – to the authorities. This isn't just a minor oversight, mind you; it's a direct challenge to the obligations laid out in the European Union's ambitious new Digital Services Act (DSA).

Let's talk about TikTok first, shall we? The DPC's inquiry into the popular short-form video app stems from a particular incident involving child sexual abuse material. Now, while TikTok might have reported something, the DPC suspects they didn't quite provide all the necessary details to Europol – the EU's law enforcement agency – as Article 18 of the DSA explicitly requires. It’s not just about flagging an issue; it’s about sharing comprehensive information so that law enforcement can truly act effectively. And that, frankly, is a crucial distinction.

LinkedIn, the professional networking behemoth, finds itself in a similar predicament. The DPC has launched a separate, yet parallel, investigation into their practices, also focusing on a specific instance of child sexual abuse material. Much like with TikTok, the Irish regulator believes that LinkedIn may not have adequately fulfilled its reporting duties under the very same Article 18 of the DSA. It’s a clear signal that the DPC is serious about holding all platforms, regardless of their primary function, to the highest standards when it comes to protecting vulnerable users and reporting heinous crimes.

You see, the Digital Services Act, which became fully effective for very large online platforms (VLOPs) like TikTok and LinkedIn in August 2023, is really designed to put the onus squarely on these companies. It demands greater accountability, more transparency, and, crucially, a proactive approach to tackling illegal content. Ireland, given that so many tech giants have their European headquarters there, has a truly pivotal role as the EU's lead data protection and digital services regulator. It’s a heavy responsibility, but one they seem determined to uphold.

Indeed, this isn't the DPC's first rodeo. They've earned a reputation for not shying away from big battles, having previously slapped significant fines on other tech behemoths like Meta (the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) for various data protection breaches. These new investigations into TikTok and LinkedIn serve as a stark reminder: the era of tech companies operating with minimal oversight is, hopefully, drawing to a close. The message is clear – comply with the rules, especially when it concerns the safety of children, or face the consequences.