European Commission opens investigation into TikTok and its impact on children

The European Commission announced on Monday that it would be opening up an investigation into the social media app TikTok and its impact on those under 18. 

"After the formal opening of proceedings, the Commission will continue to gather evidence, for example by sending additional requests for information, conducting interviews or inspections," the commission announced.

Part of the investigation will look into whether or not TikTok put up proper measures to protect the privacy of minors, according to The Hill.

A spokesperson for the social media app told the outlet that the company does take precautions to keep minors safe.

“TikTok has pioneered features and settings to protect teens and keep under 13s off the platform, issues the whole industry is grappling with,” the spokesperson told The Hill. 

The investigation will also look into whether TikTok's Chinese-based parent company, ByteDance, violated the Digital Services Act which was put in place to protect the privacy of minors who use the app.

TikTok has faced criticism from U.S. lawmakers on both sides of the aisle due to it being based in China and privacy concerns.