HateAid, a Germany-based human rights organisation, has accused Tiktok of failing to properly implement the EU Digital Services Act's (DSA) rules on notice and action mechanisms, which are crucial in upholding the right to freedom of expression while simultaneously protecting individuals from harmful and illegal content. The EU regulation is designed to enhance consumers' protections and their fundamental rights, as well as establish transparency and a clear accountability framework for online platforms. According to German magazine Der Spiegel, HateAid submitted a formal complaint to the authority monitoring DSA compliance in Germany, accusing TikTok of violating Art. 16(1) DSA, a paragraph intended to help check and, if necessary, delete hate speech and criminal content from social media platforms.

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited Tiktok to respond. The response can be read in full below.