TikTok has been given a 24-hour deadline by the European Commission to address concerns regarding its TikTok Lite app, which rewards users for viewing videos.
European Commissioner Thierry Breton has likened the Lite app to “light” cigarettes, questioning its potential addictive and toxic nature.
TikTok Lite recently launched in France and Spain, offering users small financial rewards for engaging with the app.
The Commission has raised issues about the impact on children, mental health, and addiction, asking TikTok to provide details of its risk assessment before launching the feature.
Under the Task & Rewards feature of TikTok Lite, users can earn coins for various activities like watching, liking, or sharing videos.
The maximum daily screen time eligible for rewards is limited, and users must verify they are over 18 years old to earn rewards.
French newspaper Le Monde highlighted concerns about the app’s reward system, noting that users can only earn rewards by viewing content suggested by TikTok’s algorithmic feeds, not content they search for specifically.
This approach, according to the report, could lead to increased engagement akin to a video game’s reward system.
Dr. Sarah Hodge, a cyberpsychologist, commented that while the financial rewards may seem small, they can have a significant effect in motivating users to stay engaged.
She also pointed out potential challenges for users trying to reduce their time on the app.
The EU’s Digital Services Act grants the Commission authority to address concerns related to big tech companies like TikTok.
In February, the Commission initiated formal proceedings against TikTok over potential rule violations, including data protection, child protection, and content moderation.
TikTok has expressed willingness to cooperate with the investigation and collaborate with online safety experts.
Source-BBC
