TikTok Under Scrutiny Again: European Commission Launches New Investigation into Data Transfers
Paris, France – July 10, 2025 – TikTok, the globally popular short-form video platform, is once again facing a formal investigation from the European Commission. The inquiry, as reported by Presse-Citron, centers on concerns regarding the transfer of user data to China. This development signals a continued and intensified focus by European authorities on the data privacy practices of major digital platforms.
The Commission’s renewed interest stems from ongoing apprehension about how user data collected by TikTok might be accessed by Chinese authorities. Despite previous assurances and measures implemented by the platform, the underlying concerns regarding data governance and potential state access remain a significant point of contention for regulators across the European Union.
This investigation is being conducted under the Digital Services Act (DSA), a landmark piece of EU legislation designed to create a safer and more accountable online environment. The DSA empowers the Commission to investigate and, if necessary, impose penalties on digital services for non-compliance with its provisions, particularly concerning illegal content, disinformation, and systemic risks.
While specific details of the investigation’s scope are still emerging, it is understood to be examining whether TikTok has adequately fulfilled its obligations under the DSA, particularly concerning the protection of personal data and the transparency of its data processing activities. The potential for data to be transferred to or accessed from China is a critical factor driving this scrutiny.
TikTok has previously stated its commitment to data privacy and security, emphasizing that user data from European users is stored in Europe and the United States, not China. The company has also highlighted its efforts to implement stricter data access controls and to provide greater transparency to users and regulators.
However, the European Commission’s decision to launch a formal investigation suggests that these measures may not have fully allayed their concerns, or that new information has come to light that warrants a deeper examination. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for TikTok’s operations within the EU, potentially leading to further regulatory requirements, operational changes, or even penalties.
This renewed scrutiny underscores the evolving landscape of digital regulation in Europe, where the protection of user data and the accountability of powerful online platforms are increasingly prioritized. European authorities are committed to ensuring that all digital services, regardless of their origin, adhere to the bloc’s stringent privacy and data protection standards. TikTok will likely be expected to cooperate fully with the Commission throughout this investigation.
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Presse-Citron published ‘TikTok est de nouveau visé par une enquête européenne, toujours à cause des transferts de données en Chine’ at 2025-07-10 17:42. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.