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EU warns 'TikTok Lite': The application may be suspended from Europe if it does not provide security for users!

2024-04-23 09:36:02Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

EU warns 'TikTok Lite': The application may be suspended from Europe

The European Union has said it will ban a new service launched by TikTok in Europe, which it believes could be as addictive as cigarettes, unless the company provides convincing new evidence that children are protected.

If the ban goes ahead, it would be the first time the EU has used sweeping new powers to impose sanctions on social media companies since its landmark Digital Services Act (DSA) came into force last August.

The commission gave TikTok until Wednesday to present arguments in its defense, which the commission will carefully assess, before making a final decision on enforcement steps, The Guardian reports.

Digital Commissioner Thierry Breton said the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform had "failed" to prove that TikTok Lite, which rewards users for watching videos, complied with obligations under the act, describing the service as "toxic".

The commission said the reward feature could be suspended en bloc if TikTok does not provide a satisfactory response to regulators' concerns about the impact on users' mental health.

Breton noted that the app was launched in France and Spain this month despite the fact that there was an ongoing DSA investigation into the company launched in February over other child protection concerns. He said TikTok was used by millions of children in Europe and the commission was sparing no effort to protect them.

The new app offers users prizes such as Amazon vouchers, gift cards via PayPal or TikTok Coins for points earned by watching videos, liking content, following creators or inviting friends to join.

Breton told reporters that TikTok Lite "can be as toxic and addictive as cigarettes." He said that while TikTok's flagship app offers users "fun and a sense of connection," it also "comes with significant risk for our children: addiction, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, low attention span."

TikTok was given a 24-hour deadline last week to provide a risk assessment on the new Lite service, amid concerns that it could encourage children to become addicted to watching videos.

On Monday the commission said it had not received satisfactory responses from TikTok on anti-addiction safeguards, despite already being under investigation over other child protection concerns.

"While the first case is ongoing, TikTok chose to launch TikTok Lite, which under the laudable promise of letting you watch videos ... creates financial incentives to spend more time on your phone," he said.

Breton wrote on X: “If TikTok fails to provide convincing evidence of security, which it has failed to do now, we are prepared to activate the DSA's interim measures including the suspension of the TikTok Lite 'reward program'.

A TikTok spokesperson said: “We are disappointed with this decision – the TikTok Lite rewards center is not available to under 18s and has a daily limit on video viewing assignments. We will continue discussions with the commission."

The ultimatum comes as the future of the viral video platform's operations in the US is in doubt after lawmakers in Washington passed a bill over the weekend that could ban the app if TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, does not sell its stake in the US business. TikTok said on Monday it will fight any ban or forced sale in court.

The investigation launched in February under the DSA seeking child protection on TikTok includes issues of age verification, ad transparency and managing the risk of addictive design and harmful content.


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