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Ireland's digital regulator has initiated formal proceedings against TikTok and LinkedIn over suspected violations of European Union content moderation rules, citing concerns that both platforms maintain reporting systems that may discourage users from flagging illegal material.
The Digital Services Commissioner announced Tuesday that investigators have identified potential shortcomings in how the social media companies allow users to report harmful content, particularly child sexual abuse material. According to Commissioner John Evans, the platforms' reporting mechanisms appear difficult to access and lack user-friendly design, while also failing to provide adequate anonymity protections for those attempting to flag illegal content.
Evans stated that the design of the platforms' interfaces may actively deter users from reporting content as illegal, representing what regulators view as non-compliance with the Digital Services Act.
The investigation centers on the DSA, comprehensive online content legislation that took effect in Dec. 2023 and significantly expanded regulatory oversight of major technology platforms operating within the European Union. The law established strict requirements for how companies must handle illegal content, protect users, and maintain transparent reporting systems.
Both companies face substantial financial exposure if the investigation concludes they violated the statute. Under DSA provisions, regulators can impose penalties reaching up to six percent of a company's global annual revenues, potentially translating to billions of dollars for the multinational corporations.
The probe marks the latest enforcement action by Irish authorities, who bear regulatory responsibility for numerous technology companies that have established European headquarters in Dublin. Ireland had previously opened an investigation into Elon Musk's X platform on November 12, examining that site's content moderation practices under the same legislative framework.
While the European Commission maintains primary authority over DSA enforcement, national regulators hold jurisdiction over platforms based within their borders, giving Ireland oversight of both TikTok and LinkedIn's European operations.
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A TikTok spokesperson confirmed the company had been notified of the regulatory proceedings. The representative said the platform remains committed to maintaining safety standards and fulfilling its obligations under European law, adding that the company would conduct a thorough review of the investigation and cooperate with regulators as necessary.
LinkedIn had not publicly responded to the investigation at the time of the announcement.
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