TikTok , the popular video-sharing platform in Europe, will soon get a “For You” feed without TikTok ’s algorithm .
As part of its compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA), TikTok users in the EU will soon have the option to disable its algorithm-based content selection system. The DSA requires platforms like TikTok to provide users with the option to opt out of personalized content recommendations, which are based on tracking and profiling user activity.
Currently, TikTok’s algorithm suggests content to users in their “For You” and “Live” feeds, with the goal of keeping them engaged. However, with the upcoming change, users can choose to turn off this attention targeting, which is based on watchability. Instead, they will see content that is popular in their region and in their preferred language.
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This is important, as TikTok’s algorithms have been a key factor in its success in the competitive social media space. However, EU law now requires platforms to provide users with the ability to opt out of personalization.
Other major platforms, such as Instagram and YouTube, will also have to offer similar options to their users under the DSA. Ad-supported platforms are committed to increasing revenue, which gives them an incentive to use algorithm-based content recommendations. TikTok’s decision to allow users to opt out of personalization represents a notable change.
Twitter a core part of the product experience. However, even Twitter may need to offer users the option to opt out of personalization to fully meet DSA requirements.
The EU Digital Services Act also imposes a ban on showing personalized ads to users between the ages of 13 and 17. In addition, the regulation prohibits the use of sensitive data for personalized ads.
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As part of its DSA compliance, TikTok is introducing an “additional content reporting option” for European users to report illegal content. The platform will complement its existing AI-powered content moderation with this new user reporting feature.
Additionally, TikTok users in the EU will receive greater transparency about content moderation decisions. The platform will provide users with information about a wider range of content moderation actions, including reasons for content removal and details about the decision-making process.
These changes announced by TikTok will apply to users in the European Union and EEA. Some changes may also affect users in the UK, with TikTok confirming that the ban on personalized advertising for children is already in place in the UK. However, details about other changes for UK users have yet to be confirmed.
Source: techcrunch.com
