ALBAWABA – The European Commission has opened an assessment of TikTok’s ‘Lite’ app, a version of the social media platforms meant to run on lower-end devices with weaker internet connection, claiming detrimental consequences on mental health, particularly of kids, mainly due to new functions that encourage addictive behavior.
The Commission worries that TikTok Lite's "Task and Reward Program," which lets users collect points for completing specific tasks on the platform (like watching videos, liking content, following creators, inviting friends to join TikTok, etc.), was introduced without first carefully weighing the risks involved, notably those connected to the platforms' tendency to cause addiction.
This is the second formal investigation the Commission has brought against TikTok, with the former noting potentially addictive design and lack of adequate age verification methods, thus the concerns regarding its harmful effects on minors.
TikTok was "disappointed" with the decision, a representative for the company told CNBC, noting that the TikTok Lite rewards hub is inaccessible to anyone under the age of 18 with a limit on the number of videos a user can watch, adding that the company “will continue discussions with the Commission.”
TikTok is now required to provide a risk assessment and has until May 3 to provide further information requested by the Commission regarding its app design and the platform’s plans to mitigate potential risks.
The Commission notes that it has the authority to impose fines equal to 1% of the provider's total yearly revenue or global turnover, as well as recurrent penalties equal to 5% of the provider's average daily revenue or global turnover.
