The European Commission is worried about the app’s effects on children and addiction
The EU has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to TikTok, demanding a risk assessment for a new service it recently introduced. There are concerns that this service might encourage children to develop video addiction on the platform. The service, known as TikTok Lite, was launched in France and Spain this month. It essentially rewards users with prizes like Amazon vouchers, gift cards through PayPal, or TikTok’s Coins currency for completing tasks.
The “tasks” involve activities such as watching videos, liking content, following creators, or inviting friends to join TikTok.
The European Commission stated that TikTok, owned by ByteDance from China, should have conducted a risk assessment prior to launching the app. It is now seeking “further details.”
Its involvement follows the implementation of comprehensive new regulations under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandate that tech companies and social media platforms adhere to updated regulations regarding user services and the removal of illicit content.
In February of this year, the commission initiated a formal inquiry into TikTok. This investigation aims to determine if TikTok may have violated the DSA in areas concerning the safeguarding of minors, transparency in advertising, and the management of risks associated with addictive design and harmful content.
The inquiry into child protection on TikTok encompasses age verification, an area brought to light by a Guardian investigation into the platform last year.
The commission clarified that its request for additional information regarding TikTok’s internal controls does not presuppose any further actions. However, it cautioned that it retains the authority to impose fines for inaccurate, incomplete, or deceptive information provided in response to its inquiries.
The commission expressed concerns about the potential effects of the new task and reward lite program on child protection and user mental health, particularly regarding the possible encouragement of addictive behavior.
Last year, the US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, issued a formal nationwide warning that social media posed a “significant risk of harm” to the mental health of children and teenagers.
In September, TikTok was fined €350 million by the EU’s primary regulator for violating privacy laws related to the handling of children’s personal data.
In addition to the 24-hour deadline for the risk assessment, the commission stated that TikTok must provide the remaining information by April 26.
“We have already been in direct contact with the commission regarding this product and will respond to the request for information,” a TikTok spokesperson said, confirming the company’s commitment to comply with the request.
The company has stated that rewards are limited to individuals over the age of 18, who must verify their age, and payments are capped at €1 (£0.85) per day.
