The EU alleges that TikTok Lite’s “task and reward” design, which allows users to earn points for watching and liking videos, may promote addictive behavior. The Commission is particularly concerned about the potential impact on young users.
The investigation was launched after TikTok Lite’s launch in France and Spain earlier this month. The app allows users to exchange points for Amazon vouchers and TikTok’s digital currency, which can be used to tip creators.
The EU has suggested that it may impose temporary measures to suspend TikTok Lite in the EU while the investigation continues. The Commission has also expressed concern over ByteDance’s failure to provide a risk assessment document regarding the app. This could result in penalties of up to one percent of the company’s total annual income.
ByteDance has not yet responded to the investigation. The company is currently facing a separate, broader investigation into TikTok’s addictive algorithms, age verification issues, and ad transparency.
In the United States, the TikTok ban proposed by the House of Representatives is expected to be voted on in the Senate this week. President Biden has previously indicated his support for the ban if passed by Congress.
