TikTok’s attempt to stall DMA antitrust rules rejected by EU court

The European Union’s General Court has rejected TikTok’s request to delay the designation as a “gatekeeper” and follow strict Digital Markets Act (DMA) antitrust rules. The court found that TikTok “failed to demonstrate the urgency” required for the interim measure. Despite the appeal, the bloc has not made a final decision yet on the gatekeeper designation. TikTok will have to comply with DMA rules that go into effect in March, even if the appeal is approved later on. The judges stated that ByteDance has not shown a real risk of disclosing confidential information or causing serious and irreparable harm.

TikTok’s status as a gatekeeper means it will have to make changes for EU users such as allowing access to third-party businesses and obtaining consent for personalized advertising. These companies could face fines of millions of euros if they break DMA rules. TikTok expressed disappointment with the decision and looks forward to having the substance of its case heard on an expedited basis.

In addition to the rejection, TikTok is facing a separate EU probe into its content moderation rules for minors under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The investigation has been initiated due to concerns that the changes made by TikTok to comply with the DSA are insufficient to protect underage users. Last year, TikTok made several changes for its EU users, including no longer serving personalized ads based on their activities on the platform to minors.