TikTok has announced its decision to voluntarily suspend the reward program on its new app, TikTok Lite, as it aims to address concerns raised by the European Union (EU).
The move from TikTok comes amidst scrutiny from the EU Commission under its Digital Services Act (DSA) rules, which aim to hold major online platforms accountable for combating illegal and harmful content, particularly concerning its impact on children.
The EU executive, citing worries about the potentially addictive nature of the reward program for children, had set a deadline for ByteDance-owned TikTok to rectify the issue or face a temporary suspension of the feature.
In response, TikTok conveyed its commitment to engaging constructively with regulatory bodies, stating, “We are therefore voluntarily suspending the rewards functions in TikTok Lite while we address the concerns that they have raised.”
Thierry Breton, the EU industry chief who has initiated two investigations into TikTok, acknowledged the suspension, emphasizing the ongoing scrutiny regarding the platform’s potential addictiveness. He remarked, “Our cases against TikTok on the risk of addictiveness of the platform continue, including the investigation to establish whether the launch of TikTok Lite was done in compliance with the DSA.”
Thierry Breton reiterated the importance of safeguarding children in the digital sphere, asserting, “Our children are not guinea pigs for social media.”
TikTok Lite’s reward program enables users to accumulate points by engaging in various activities on the platform, such as watching videos, liking content, following creators, or inviting friends to join. The suspension of this feature reflects TikTok’s efforts to address regulatory concerns and ensure a safer and more responsible online environment, particularly for younger users.
Meanwhile, TikTok is facing a ban in the United States. Otherwise, TikTok’s owner needs to divest its video sharing platform in the US telecom market.
