TikTok is back in the spotlight. The European Commission has requested information from the social network to evaluate “the social impact” that the new “TikTok Lite” version could have in Spain and France on the risk protection that must be carried out before launching an application within the European Union . .
In a statement, the European institution has also requested information on the measures that the platform has taken to end systematic risks in accordance with the new Digital Services law. TikTok must provide what is required within 24 hours and the rest of the information before April 26.
What is TikTok Lite?
TikTok Lite is a new platform application with a “rewards program” aimed at users over 18, which will give financial incentives to its users for watching videos, liking content, following content creators and inviting friends to join the app. The points that users earn through these “tasks” can be redeemed for rewards, such as Amazon vouchers, gift cards through PayPal, or TikTok Coins, which can be spent on tipping creators.
When Brussels receives the requested information “it will analyze the response and evaluate the steps to follow” and may impose fines for incorrect, incomplete or misleading information.
Last February, the Commission initiated this procedure against TikTok to analyze whether the social network of Chinese origin had failed to comply with the Digital Services Law in the protection of minors, advertising transparency, access to data by researchers, as well as managing the risk of addictive designs and harmful content.
In Spain, the platform is linked to covert advertising and the sexualization of children. Authorities such as the OCU and Asufin also presented the infractions portrayed in the report to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the Spanish Data Protection Agency (ARPD) and the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC).
