When Advertising Becomes a Threat: TikTok and the Risks to Public Health

The European Commission today notified TikTok of its preliminary view that the platform is in breach of its obligation to publish an advertising repository, as required by the Digital Services Act (DSA).

This creates serious risks, as it leaves room for false advertising, coordinated disinformation campaigns, and violations of fundamental principles of transparency — including in matters of public health.

On TikTok, we increasingly see misleading advertisements for:

• Obesity medications without medical approval
• Supplements with unfounded promises
• Unhealthy body standards, particularly targeting young audiences

What is especially concerning is that such messages do not only come from non-experts but also from healthcare professionals and influencers with significant reach, which amplifies confusion and undermines the credibility of scientific information.

It is important to note that in Greece, the free advertisement of medicines to the public is prohibited — a provision that exists precisely to protect public health from misinformation and unfair practices.

The protection of health does not stop at the doctor’s office or the pharmacy — it extends online. As Promitheas, we stand for transparency and accountability when it comes to advertisements related to treatments, medicines, or health standards.