TikTok Lite App Launches in France and Spain with Reward Program Suspended over EU Concerns

Tiktok has launched the Tiktok Lite app in France and Spain, where users can earn reward points for watching videos. In response to concerns raised by the EU, the social media service has suspended its reward program on the app. The EU Commission had given Tiktok until Wednesday to address these concerns or face a potential ban of the app.

The Tiktok Lite app includes a rewards program aimed at users over 18 years old. Users can earn points by completing tasks such as watching videos, liking content, or following other users. These points can be exchanged for rewards such as Amazon discount coupons or Tiktok virtual coins.

However, the EU Commission specifically asked Tiktok for information on how it has assessed potential risks related to the rewards program, particularly regarding its impact on users’ mental health and addiction to the platform. Despite this request, Tiktok did not meet the deadline to provide this information, leading to an official investigation under the Digital Services Act.

This is the second official procedure against Tiktok under the Digital Services Act, with the first procedure starting in February. The Act requires large online platforms to address issues such as the spread of illegal content, online disinformation, and other social risks. Non-compliance with the Act can result in fines of up to six percent of a company’s global turnover.

Tiktok is currently facing scrutiny from regulatory authorities and has decided to voluntarily suspend its reward program on the Tiktok Lite app in France and Spain while it works constructively with them to ensure compliance with regulations and address any potential risks associated with its services.