The media regulator Coimisiún na Meán has launched investigations into TikTok and LinkedIn over concerns the platforms may have breached online safety rules.
The inquiries will examine suspected violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA).
Coimisiún na Meán will assess if the content reporting mechanisms provided by TikTok and LinkedIn are easy to access and user-friendly, and if they allow people to report suspected child sexual abuse material anonymously.
It will also examine if there are deceptive interface designs associated with these reporting mechanisms.
The regulator said that as part of a review of platforms, concerns arose in relation to potential “dark patterns”, or deceptive interface designs of illegal content reporting mechanisms.
The specific concerns are that the reporting mechanisms could confuse or deceive people into believing that they were reporting content as illegal content, as opposed to content in violation of the provider’s Terms and Conditions.
Watch: Why is the media regulator investigating TikTok? Brian O’Donovan explains
“If this is correct, this might mean that the illegal content reporting mechanisms are not effective in preventing the dissemination of illegal content and the rights of people under the DSA might be undermined,” Coimisiún na Meán said.
It added that a number of other providers have made changes to their reporting mechanisms, while supervision engagement with other providers is ongoing.
John Evans, Digital Services Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán, said its review of the reporting mechanisms of platforms has resulted in the opening of the investigations into TikTok and LinkedIn.
“In the case of these platforms, there is reason to suspect that their illegal content reporting mechanisms are not easy to access or user-friendly, do not allow people to report child sexual abuse material anonymously, as required by the DSA, and that the design of their interfaces may deter people from reporting content as illegal,” Mr Evans said.
“A number of other providers have made significant changes to their reporting mechanisms for illegal content, following engagement with Coimisiún na Meán.”
“An Coimisiún is currently assessing these changes for their effectiveness,” he added.
If a provider is found to be in breach of the DSA it could be hit with a fine of up to 6% of turnover.
A LinkedIn spokesperson said it is committed to keeping its platform safe, trusted and professional, and that is has effective mechanisms for users to report content that may be illegal.
“We will continue to engage with regulators and adhere to the laws and regulations of the markets in which we operate,” the spokesperson said.
A TikTok spokesperson said it is committed to keeping its platform safe and meeting its obligations under the DSA.
“We have received a notice of investigation today,” the spokesperson said.
“We will review it in full and engage with Coimisiún na Meán.”
