The European Commission has given TikTok a deadline of Wednesday to address concerns over its new TikTok Lite app. The investigation centers on the app’s rewards feature, which allows users to earn points for various actions on the platform. The Commission suspects that this feature may be addictive, especially for children.
If TikTok fails to provide evidence of the security of the feature, the Commission threatens to ban the program. Under the Digital Services Act, the EU has the power to fine companies for non-compliance, with TikTok facing a potential 1% fine if they do not provide the necessary information by the deadline.
TikTok Lite is a version of the original app designed for minimal resource usage and compatibility with low-power devices. However, despite this, the rewards feature is still included in this version. Bytedance, TikTok’s parent company, has emphasized that it is not a Chinese company as it is registered in the Cayman Islands.
This investigation follows a previous probe into TikTok’s compliance with digital market regulations, particularly in relation to protecting underage users. The company has stated that the rewards feature is not available to users under 18 and has daily limits on point-earning activities. The outcome of this investigation will determine whether TikTok Lite’s rewards program will be banned from the European market.