Minister promises strict monitoring following launch TikTok Shop in Belgium
TikTok Shop was launched in Belgium on Monday. Users can now make purchases on the social media platform without leaving the app. Federal minister for Digitalisation Vanessa Matz has promised to strictly ensure that TikTok Shop complies with the rules, and more specifically with regard to the protection of minors.
TikTok Shop was already available in France and Germany, amongst others, but now it is Belgium’s turn. In Belgium, the app claims to have around 4.3 million users.
TikTok itself promises strict monitoring of product quality and compliance with European and Belgian legislation. Minors cannot make purchases via the shop, and the company says it will verify age using technology and moderation teams. However, not everyone is equally optimistic. For instance, the consumer organisation Testaankoop sees particular risks for vulnerable people and youngsters, as the risk of impulse purchases is said to be much greater.
Federal minister for Digitalisation Vanessa Matz also acknowledges that the arrival of TikTok Shop raises many questions. She will therefore closely monitor whether the app complies with European rules, particularly regarding data protection, compliance with the Digital Services Act and commercial transparency.
“But I will also pay particular attention to the protection of minors. TikTok will have to provide sufficient safeguards to prevent them from being exposed to problematic commercial practices or making purchases without supervision," she stated.
The minister welcomes the fact that TikTok Shop can offer a new platform to some Belgian businesses, “but this must under no circumstances become a new grey area, or even a digital legal vacuum, where minors are inadequately protected and where consumers are exposed to scams, non-compliant products or counterfeits”.
“In this regard, there will be absolutely no room for tolerance. At the slightest shortcoming, I will take immediate action and involve the competent authorities, including the European Commission and the Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT),” emphasised Matz.
Illustration © PHOTO Sebastian Gollnow / dpa
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