EU issues TikTok ultimatum over ‘addictive’ new app features

The European Commission might halt the TikTok Lite rewards scheme, which pays users to spend time on the app, as early as Thursday.

The feature, according to Commissioner Thierry Breton, is “toxic and addictive,” especially for young users.

TikTok has until Wednesday to defend its rewards programme, or it could be suspended as early as Thursday, April 25.

The European Commission on Monday gave TikTok a 24-hour deadline to submit an assessment of potential health risks associated with its new app, TikTok Lite, or face daily fines. It comes after TikTok “failed to provide” data earlier this month.

TikTok Lite, a slimmed-down version of TikTok, was released in France and Spain in March. It is optimized for slower internet connections and requires less memory.

The European Commission on Monday gave TikTok a 24-hour deadline to submit an assessment of potential health risks associated with its new app, TikTok Lite, or face daily fines.

It comes after TikTok “failed to provide” data earlier this month. TikTok Lite, a slimmed-down version of TikTok, was released in France and Spain in March.

It utilizes less memory and is intended for slower internet connections. Users older than 18 can use it to earn points that can be exchanged for gift cards or vouchers.

The Commission said it wanted the Chinese-owned business to show how it assessed the scheme’s addiction and mental health concerns.

If TikTok does not respond within 24 hours, it will face fines equal to one percent of its annual revenue.

EU probing TikTok over possible Digital Services Act breach

The bloc’s executive also announced Monday that it will open a second investigation into whether TikTok violated the EU’s Digital Services Act. Under the statute, the video sharing site was required to complete a “risk assessment” before launching TikTok Lite in Europe.

The Commission is concerned that TikTok disseminated the software without taking necessary safeguards to avoid potential systemic hazards. TikTok, with its endless supply of short, fast-paced videos, provides entertainment and a sense of community outside your personal circle, according to European Commissioner Thierry Breton. “But it also carries significant concerns, particularly for our children: addiction, anxiety, despair, eating problems, and short attention spans.”

A feature that rewards users for likes and viewing videos and is deemed “addictive” was threatened to be removed. “This decision has left us disappointed,” a statement from TikTok said. “

There is a daily cap on video watch tasks, and access to the TikTok Lite rewards area is restricted to those who are at least 18 years old. We will continue our conversation with the Commission.

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