EU lawmakers call for probe into TikTok over alleged content suppression

A coalition of 32 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) has called on the European Commission to launch an investigation into TikTok over allegations the social media platform suppressed content on politically sensitive subjects. The request, reported by Politico and submitted Wednesday, centers on claims that videos mentioning terms like "Epstein," "ICE," and "Minnesota" faced restricted reach and technical barriers.

Allegations of targeted content disruption

The MEPs, primarily from the Greens group and joined by members of The Left and the Socialists & Democrats, urged the EU's executive body to assess whether TikTok's actions constitute a "systemic risk" to freedom of expression and civic discourse. They cited user reports of problems uploading videos, significantly reduced reach, and unusually low view counts for content containing those specific keywords. Some lawmakers reportedly claimed to have personally witnessed similar glitches affecting posts in Berlin and Brussels.

TikTok's response and regulatory context

In response to the allegations, a TikTok spokesperson stated there are no restrictions on sharing the name "Epstein" in direct messages and characterized the disruption as a technical fault. The company explained that a safety system "incorrectly responding in some instances" caused the issue. The platform is already under existing scrutiny from EU regulators for potential violations of the bloc's Digital Services Act (DSA), which imposes strict obligations on large online platforms to mitigate systemic risks to public discourse and fundamental rights.

Broader implications for platform governance

The formal request from EU lawmakers amplifies ongoing debates about content moderation transparency and the power of major tech platforms. By focusing on content related to high-profile figures like Jeffrey Epstein and U.S. immigration enforcement, the MEPs are testing the enforcement mechanisms of the DSA and pushing for greater accountability over how algorithmic systems may influence public debate on consequential issues within the European Union.