TikTok CEO's meeting with EU leaders raised concerns about Disinformation

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew met with EU industry chief Thierry Breton, EU digital chief Vera Jourova, and EU antitrust chief Didier Reynders in Brussels.

The visit marked Chew's second trip to Brussels and occured against a backdrop of increased regulatory scrutiny of TikTok's role in disseminating disinformation, particularly with regards to the conflict between Hamas and Israel.

Chew's agenda included providing updates on TikTok's data security initiative, known as Project Clover, which began storing European user data locally this year. TikTok currently operates a data center in Dublin, Ireland, and is in the process of constructing two additional centers in Ireland and Norway.

Furthermore, Chew briefed the commissioners on TikTok's adherence to the new EU online content regulations outlined in the Digital Services Act. This legislation requires major tech companies to take more substantial measures in combating illegal and harmful online content on their platforms, the spokesperson explained.

Thierry Breton had previously set an October 25 deadline for TikTok to furnish information regarding its crisis response measures. Additionally, he mandated that the company provide details on its efforts to safeguard the integrity of elections and protect minors online while using its platform.