Due to worries about the app’s possible effects on children and users’ mental health, TikTok has been given 24 hours to conduct a risk assessment for TikTok Lite, which was released this month in France and Spain, the European Commission announced on Wednesday.
Two months after he launched an investigation into TikTok for potential legal violations, EU industry director Thierry Breton has taken action under EU tech regulations known as the Digital Services Act (DSA).
The unprecedented law imposes fines of up to 6% of a company’s global annual revenue on infractions, compelling them to take more action against unlawful and harmful content on their platforms.
The Commission stated that TikTok had to have conducted a risk assessment on the new app prior to its release in the 27-nation European Union.
“Is social media “lite” as addictive and toxic as cigarettes “light”? We have just sent a request for information regarding the launch of #TikTokLite. We will spare no effort to protect minors under the #DSA,” Breton posted on the social media platform X.
The Commission brought attention to the possible effects of the new “Task and Reward Lite” program on user mental health and the protection of minors, particularly with regard to the program’s potential to encourage addictive behavior.
Users who are at least eighteen years old can participate in TikTok Lite’s “Reward Program” to earn points for watching videos, like content, following producers, and inviting others to join.
These points can be redeemed for benefits like PayPal gift cards, Amazon gift cards, or TikTok coins, which can be used to tip creators.
The Commission ordered TikTok to submit the risk assessment for TikTok Lite within 24 hours and the remaining information by April 26. Following this, the Commission will review TikTok’s response and determine the appropriate course of action.
“We have already been in direct contact with the Commission regarding this product and will respond to the request for information,” a representative from TikTok stated.
The Commission also requested information about the steps the business has taken to reduce systemic risks.
