Whereas TikTok continues to grapple with EU regulators over the technicalities of its new rules for digital platforms, it’s additionally implementing new processes and choices to align with the Digital Markets Acts (DMA) and make sure that TikTok stays accessible to its 134 million European users.
TikTok has already applied the capability for customers to switch off personalization in the app, and offered expanded data control tools, in adherence with the most recent EU modifications.
And now, it’s additionally launching a brand new Data Portability API, which can present one other manner for customers to obtain and reuse their TikTok knowledge as they see match.
As defined by TikTok:
“TikTok has now launched a new Data Portability API. This will allow registered developers to request user permission to transfer a copy of their TikTok data. European Economic Area (EEA) users will be able to authorize either a one-time or recurring transfer, and will be able to select specific categories of data or their full archive, allowing for continuous and real-time data portability.”
As you possibly can see within the picture above, the Knowledge Portability API will facilitate entry to a variety of information parts, offering expanded choices for utilization.
Along with this, TikTok says that it’s additionally improved the pace and performance of its Download Your Data tool, which allows each particular person and enterprise accounts to export and obtain their account info.
Knowledge portability is a key requirement of the DMA which outlines expanded privateness and knowledge management obligations for what EU officers designate as “gatekeeper” platforms, or platforms that maintain a degree of management over the expanded digital market.
Which TikTok has argued that it doesn’t actually qualify for, a minimum of not in the identical manner that Google or Meta dominate their respective sectors.
But, at this stage, TikTok’s attraction in opposition to its designation is but to be heard, so it has to organize for the DMA all the identical, and make sure that it’s adhering to the most recent laws.
To be clear, there are two separate parts throughout the newest EU regulatory modifications.
- The Digital Markets Act (DMA) relates, as famous, to gatekeeper platforms, and goals to make sure that European companies which depend on these platforms have further safety and assurance, and are working on “a level playing field”.
- The Digital Services Act (DSA), in the meantime, is primarily centered on defending people and companies that use digital platforms, and facilitating extra knowledge management choices for all customers.
TikTok has already come underneath DSA scrutiny, with EU officers launching a proper investigation into whether or not the app has breached the foundations referring to the safety of minors and advert transparency. It’s clearly hoping to keep away from comparable on the DMA entrance, because it continues to push again in opposition to the gatekeeper designation.
It’s really, for higher or worse, a fairly good case examine of the confusion attributable to the varied EU regulatory modifications, with completely different parts referring to completely different points, and most of it based mostly on person studies and accusations.
In different phrases, it’s a bit messy, however ideally, after an preliminary teething interval, all the platforms will be capable to make sure that they’re in alignment with the brand new laws, and stay accessible to EU customers.