TikTok has once again caught the attention of regulators, particularly European authorities, due to the company's spinoff app , TikTok Lite.
Since February, the European Commission has been investigating the compliance of the popular Chinese app TikTok with the Digital Services Act (DSA). Yesterday, the Commission gave TikTok 24 hours to come up with a risk, specifically for TikTok Lite. According to the commission, this assessment should have been done before the app was launched in the EU.
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TikTok Lite, which launched in France and Spain this month, is a data-light version of the app designed for areas with slower speeds . It was originally launched in Thailand in 2018 and now has over 1 billion downloads, with most users in India, Brazil and Indonesia.
According to Reuters, what caught the European Commission’s attention is a section of TikTok Lite called “Tasks and Rewards.” In this section, users over 18 can earn points by watching and liking videos, following TikTok creators, and referring people to the app. Users can then redeem these points for Amazon or TikTok coins, etc.
The European Commission is concerned about the potential impact of TikTok Lite on the mental health of users, including children. What worries them most is the potential for addictive behavior. That is why the investigation into TikTok is underway. In addition to the risk, which we mentioned above, TikTok is also required to provide information on “measures it has put in place to mitigate such systemic risks.”
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“As a platform that reaches millions of children and adolescents, TikTok must fully comply with the DSA and has a particular role to play in protecting minors online,” said Thierry Breton, European Commissioner. “We are launching this formal process today to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect the physical and emotional well-being of young Europeans.”
Possible consequences of research
The European Commission's investigation may lead to stricter controls and restrictions on the content of TikTok and TikTok Lite, particularly regarding content aimed at children.
If the investigation reveals violations, TikTok and TikTok Lite users may see 's policies and practices app, which could include restrictions on access and usage.
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Furthermore, this research may increase awareness and information among users about the risks associated with social media use and its impact on mental health.
Finally, legislative changes may arise that will affect the way social networking platforms operate in the European Union.
Source: mashable.com
