EU Inquires About Risks of TikTok Lite to Children after France and Spain Launches
ByteDance’s TikTok is granted 24 hours to complete an evaluation of its risk for the app’s new version, TikTok Lite which was launched earlier at the beginning of this month in France as well as Spain due to concerns over the impact it could have on the children of users and their mental well-being as well as mental health, The European Commission said on Wednesday.
EU Industry Chief Thierry Breton’s decision according to EU technological rules referred to the Digital Services Act (DSA) follows two months since the EU opened an investigation on TikTok regarding possible violations of legislation.
The new law requires businesses to be more proactive in tackling dangerous and illegal content that is posted and hosted on their platforms. This includes penalties of as high as 6% of their annual global turnover in case of violation.
The Commission stated that TikTok could have assessed the risks associated with the application before its launch within the continent of 27 countries in the European Union.
“Is the social network “lite” as harmful as cigarettes “light”? Just sent an inquiry for details regarding the introduction of TikTokLite. We’ll do everything to ensure that minors are protected under the law of the #DSA.” Breton said on X the social network.
The Commission highlighted the possible consequences of the “Task and Reward “Lite” program regarding the protection of minors in addition to the mental well-being of freaks, especially regarding the possibility of incitement of addiction.
TikTok Lite, aimed at those aged 18+, includes the “Reward Program,” which lets users gain points through specific actions on the site, including watching videos and liking content, engaging with creators, and inviting their friends to join.
The points are exchangeable to earn rewards, such as Amazon vouchers or gift cards through PayPal or TikTok’s Coins which can be used to tip creators.
The Commission stated that TikTok should provide the risk assessment of TikTok Lite within 24 hours and also provide the needed information before the 26th of April. Following that, the Commission will review TikTok’s response and determine the next actions.
“We have been directly in contact with the Commission concerning this product and will respond to any request for details,” a TikTok spokesperson said.