Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001883/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Giuseppe Antoci (The Left)
Recently, Salvatore Borsellino, the brother of the illustrious judge, Paolo Borsellino, who was killed by the Mafia, has spoken out against the restrictions that TikTok has placed on his account until 2035, preventing him from continuing to share content raising awareness of the fight against the Mafia and organised crime[1][2].
Such a curtailment of the freedom of expression is deeply troubling – all the more so considering that, in the meantime, many social media accounts are sharing content glorifying criminal acts and Mafia figures[3], not to mention inciting violence, without facing any censorship at all[4].
Since it is classified as a very large online platform, TikTok is subject to the most stringent rules under the Digital Services Act, including the requirement that it adapt its moderation processes in order to block online content inciting violence.
In light of the above:
- 1.What does the Commission make of this troubling state of affairs?
- 2.What further action could it take to ensure that platforms like TikTok monitor content properly and effectively, in accordance with the Digital Services Act, on the one hand protecting individuals’ freedom of expression while, on the other hand, promoting positive behavioural patterns and discouraging the posting of violent content?
Submitted: 12.5.2025
- [1] https://www.palermotoday.it/cronaca/salvatore-borsellino-sospeso-tik-tok.html.
- [2] https://www.19luglio1992.com/salvatore-borsellino-sospeso-dal-social-tiktok-rete-no-bavaglio-grave-violazione-dellarticolo-21-della-costituzione/.
- [3] https://www.antimafiaduemila.com/rubriche/giorgio-bongiovanni/104777-tiktok-la-piattaforma-della-perversione-che-censura-i-giusti.html.
- [4] https://www.open.online/2025/04/26/figlio-toto-riina-ritratto-social/.