TikTok’s service, offering perks like gift certificates for video watching, was ceased by the company after the European Union threatened to block it due to concerns of child addiction.
Digital Commissioner Thierry Breton stated that TikTok Lite’s features in France and Spain comply with obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). “I couldn’t prove it, he said under the law,” he mentioned.
The EU believes the service could be as addictive as cigarettes and has given TikTok 48 hours to respond with new defenses.
As a precautionary measure, TikTok sent a letter to Breton informing the suspension of its services.
Breton emphasized, “Our children are not social media guinea pigs. The DSA ensures safety in the EU’s online spaces.”
This is the first instance of the EU taking legal action since the DSA came into effect in August last year.
Following the US Senate’s legislation, TikTok faces further challenges either in banning it or compelling the sale of its US operations.
Breton expressed disappointment in the company’s decision to proceed with the service despite prior concerns raised by the European Commission regarding child protection issues linked to TikTok.
“We welcome TikTok’s move to suspend the ‘rewards program’ in TikTok Lite on April 22nd, taking into account the ongoing case and willingness to implement interim measures,” he remarked.
The litigation against TikTok concerning addictive risks continues, including an assessment of the compliance of TikTok Lite launch with the DSA.
Effective Wednesday, TikTok, owned by ByteDance, will suspend its Tasks & Rewards program in France and Spain for new users for 60 days.
It will also cease services for existing subscribers by May 1 at the latest, and halt the rollout in other EU nations.
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This suspension marks the first time the EU has exercised its authority under the DSA to enforce compliance with EU laws on social media companies, including X and Facebook, risking global ban or up to 6% sanctions income.
A European Commission spokesperson confirmed two ongoing formal proceedings against TikTok, including this case concerning TikTok Lite.
The initial lawsuit filed in February addressed child protection on TikTok, covering age verification, advertising transparency, and addressing addictive designs and harmful content risks.
A TikTok spokesperson mentioned, “TikTok always strives to engage constructively with the EU Commission and regulatory authorities.
“Hence, we are voluntarily suspending the rewards feature on TikTok Lite and addressing the raised concerns.”
Source: www.theguardian.com
