With the gradual implementation of the EU’s two blockbuster digital laws, EU officials have recently repeatedly reiterated the importance of large multinational technology companies complying with the law. European Commission Executive Vice President Vestager (Margrethe Vestager) stated that large technology companies including Google, Apple, and TikTok will be regulated according to law.
“People in Europe are not interested in where tech companies come from, China, America or Europe, but they are tired of companies thinking they can do everything,” Vestager said in a recent interview with the Swedish daily (SvD).
In the interview, Vestager discussed the role of the “Data Services Act” and “Digital Services Act”, and mentioned a number of cases of technology companies abusing their power, including Meta not knowing that Instagram had a negative impact on young people. Inform the public of the behavior. “When the Digital Services Act comes into effect, Meta will have to conduct a risk analysis and report to the Commission in a timely manner, as well as change the way social media operates, particularly with respect to underage content.”
In addition, Vestager also emphasized the bill’s protection of personal information security of EU members.
Vestager said that the Irish Data Protection Commission is conducting two investigations into TikTok to ensure that TikTok can protect personal information.
But she denied that she would adopt a ban plan on TikTok that American politicians are trying to promote. “Banning TikTok is not on the table,” Vestager said. She said banning companies from operating in the EU would require evidence that would stand up in court. “They (TikTok) can operate in Europe as long as they abide by the law.”
Vestager is famous for defending the interests of EU users with an “iron fist”. He has issued billions of dollars worth of fines to technology giants such as Apple and Google, and has thus won the reputation of “Silicon Valley Nemesis”.
On February 17, TikTok announced that it had 125 million monthly active users in the European Union; the entire European region, including the UK and Switzerland, had more than 150 million monthly active users. TikTok stated on its official website that it is working hard to comply with EU regulations and plans to build two new data centers in Europe to protect user data security.
Source: Svenska Dagbladet is the national Swedish-language daily, founded in 1884 and published in Stockholm.
