Commission asks TikTok for more details on risk assessment of new TikTok Lite application recently launched in Spain

The Commission sent TikTok a request for information under the Digital Services Act, requesting more details on the risk assessment that the TikTok provider should have carried out before deploying the new TikTok Lite app in the EU. The request concerns the potential impact that the new “Task and Reward Lite” programme could have on the protection of minors, as well as on the mental health of users, in particular as regards the possibility of inducing addictive behaviour. The Commission also requests information on the measures the platform has put in place to mitigate these systemic risks.

TikTok should submit the TikTok Lite risk assessment within 24 hours and the other information requested by 26 April 2024, after which the Commission will analyse TikTok’s response and then assess the next steps. A request for information is an investigative act which does not prejudge possible further measures that the Commission may decide or not take. However, pursuant to Article 74(2) of the Digital Services Act, the Commission may impose fines for incorrect, incomplete or misleading information in response to a request for information.

TikTok Lite is a new application that includes a new functionality aimed at users over the age of 18: a “rewards program” that allows users to earn points while performing certain “tasks” on TikTok, such as watching videos, liking content, following creators, inviting friends to join TikTok, etc. These points can be redeemed for rewards, such as Amazon vouchers, PayPal gift cards, or TikTok coins that can be spent to tip creators. TikTok Lite was launched in France and Spain in April 2024.

In February 2024, the Commission initiated formal proceedings against TikTok to assess whether it could have infringed the Digital Services Act in areas related to child protection, advertising transparency, access to data for researchers, as well as risk management of addictive design and harmful content. The Commission is currently gathering more evidence.

European Commission initiates formal proceedings against TikTok under the Digital Services Act

 

More information: European Commission