In 2023, TikTok became a part of the Priority Channel of the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD), a tool designed to facilitate fast and free requests for the removal of content that poses a threat to individuals’ rights and freedoms, as well as their physical or mental health. As a dedicated entity, TikTok formed a communication channel with the AEPD to respond promptly to any requirements related to potentially dangerous content.
This year, the AEPD ordered more than thirty removals through this tool, building on the fifty-one emergency interventions carried out in 2022. The platform is now among other companies such as Google, Meta, and Microsoft that are already part of the Priority Channel.
The system has proven successful in removing harmful content and preventing violations of rights and freedoms. With this tool, the AEPD can send takedown orders for published content within seventy-two hours of receiving a request when it poses a risk to individuals’ rights and freedoms or their physical or mental welfare. Overall, TikTok’s participation in the Priority Channel is an important step towards creating a safer online environment for all users.