European Commission Flags TikTok for Ad Transparency Violations Under Digital Services Act

On May 15, 2025, the European Union formally accused TikTok of breaching the Digital Services Act (DSA), citing the platform’s lack of transparency concerning its advertising practices. According to the European Commission, TikTok failed to adequately disclose details about advertisement content, targeted users, and payment sources. This is the first formal accusation against TikTok under the DSA, which demands that major digital platforms maintain accessible ad libraries to enhance scrutiny and prevent misuse such as scams or foreign influence campaigns.

The EU’s digital chief, Henna Virkkunen, stated that TikTok’s advertising repository lacks crucial data, making it difficult to assess the risks associated with its targeted advertising systems. TikTok responded by expressing disagreement with some of the EU’s interpretations but emphasized its commitment to complying with the law.

The DSA empowers the EU to fine tech giants up to 6% of their global revenue for violations and sets strict standards for curbing harmful content and misinformation. In addition to ad-related concerns, TikTok remains under investigation for potential harm to young users, including the so-called ‘rabbit hole’ effect and the promotion of harmful trends like “SkinnyTok.” Previous concerns have also included allegations of the app being used for political interference.

This move is part of the EU’s broader strategy to increase accountability among major tech platforms and ensure user safety online.