EU Threatens to Suspend TikTok Lite's 'Addictive' Rewards Program
The European Commission demands a risk assessment from TikTok on the potential mental health impacts of its rewards program, citing concerns for child safety.
- EU officials have given TikTok a tight deadline to submit a risk assessment report for TikTok Lite, focusing on its rewards program that could pose addiction risks to users.
- TikTok Lite, a slimmed-down version of the popular app, offers points for watching videos and engaging with content, which can be exchanged for vouchers or gift cards.
- The European Commission's probe under the Digital Services Act (DSA) marks its second investigation into TikTok, emphasizing the need for platforms to assess and mitigate risks before launching new features.
- If TikTok fails to provide the required documentation, it could face fines up to 1% of its global annual revenue, with additional penalties for non-compliance.
- The ongoing scrutiny of TikTok Lite in the EU reflects broader regulatory concerns over digital platforms' impact on mental health and child safety.