Irish Regulator Opens DSA Probe into TikTok & LinkedIn: What It Means for Big Tech

Irish Media Regulator Launches Investigation into TikTok and LinkedIn under EU’s Digital Services Act

On 2 December 2025, Ireland’s media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, announced formal investigations into TikTok and LinkedIn. The probe will examine whether the platforms’ tools for reporting illegal or harmful content — including child sexual abuse material — comply with the reporting requirements of the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Specifically, the regulator is assessing whether the reporting tools are easily accessible, user-friendly, allow for anonymous reporting, and avoid designs that might discourage users from reporting harmful content.

The DSA obliges very large online platforms to implement robust measures to prevent the spread of illegal or harmful content, ensure transparency, and protect users. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to 6% of a company’s annual global revenue, making adherence critical for platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn, both of which have their European headquarters in Ireland.

These investigations come amid growing EU scrutiny of major tech companies. In May 2025, the European Commission flagged TikTok for breaching DSA obligations related to advertising transparency and content reporting. Previously, Irish authorities have also fined TikTok for data protection violations involving European user data. These past actions highlight the regulatory pressure on platforms to strengthen compliance.

If the investigations confirm violations, the regulator could impose substantial fines and mandate structural changes to reporting and moderation systems. This may include more intuitive and anonymous reporting tools, transparent content moderation policies, and proactive measures to protect minors and prevent harmful content from spreading. Such reforms could influence platform governance globally, compelling social media companies to prioritize user safety, transparency, and compliance alongside growth.

Ireland’s 2 December 2025 announcement represents a pivotal step in enforcing the DSA’s principles of accountability, safety, and user empowerment. The outcomes of these investigations into TikTok and LinkedIn may redefine how major platforms handle illegal content, set precedents for regulatory standards across Europe, and potentially influence global digital governance.