TikTok allows Europe to access research software, with eye on EU online content rules

Short-video app TikTook on Thursday opened up its analysis software program to researchers in Europe forward of recent EU guidelines requiring Big Tech to do extra to police on-line content material.

TikTook, owned by Chinese expertise conglomerate ByteDance, is one among 19 on-line platforms and serps topic to more durable necessities that may kick in from August beneath the Digital Services Act (DSA).

The firm mentioned it was nonetheless ready for the European Commission to set out technical circumstances for the appliance programming interface (API) for accessing its information however determined to go forward anyway.

“TikTok is proactively rolling-out its Research API ahead of further technical guidance and launching a commercial content library ahead of the DSA compliance deadline,” the social media app mentioned in a press release.

“All researchers will need to have their own TikTok for Developers account and be located in the United States or Europe to access our Research API.”

The firm launched an preliminary model of its Research API to educational researchers within the United States earlier this yr.

TikTook on Thursday additionally allowed researchers entry to its business content material API. To adjust to DSA guidelines on transparency on paid promoting, the corporate opened up its database with details about paid adverts and advert metadata.

Stay on prime of expertise and startup news that issues. Subscribe to our every day e-newsletter for the newest and must-read tech news, delivered straight to your inbox.