By Beyza Binnur Donmez
GENEVA (AA) - A group of 32 European lawmakers has demanded the European Commission investigate TikTok because of claims the platform limited or disrupted content related to politically sensitive topics, including posts mentioning files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to Politico.
The request was submitted Wednesday by lawmakers mainly from the Greens, along with members of The Left and the Socialists & Democrats.
They urged the Commission, which enforces the EU’s platform rules, to determine whether TikTok is "causing a systemic risk" to freedom of expression and civic debate.
Users "have reported issues with uploading videos, reduced reach, and unusually low view counts, for content that mention the words Epstein, ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and (US state of) Minnesota," according to lawmakers.
Some signatories reportedly said they personally observed similar glitches affecting posts in Berlin and Brussels.
TikTok attributed the problems to technical issues as a spokesperson for the platform said there are no restrictions on sharing the name Epstein in direct messages and described the disruption as a malfunction in one of its safety systems that "incorrectly responding in some instances."
The platform is already under scrutiny for potential breaches of the EU’s Digital Services Act, which requires large platforms to manage systemic risks.