The online platform TikTok is not only having problems in the US, where a ban is looming; the European Commission has also started proceedings against the app. It must be investigated whether the Chinese company Bytedance is endangering the mental health of minors with the TikTok Lite app and thus violating EU rules, as the Commission announced in Brussels on Monday.
People are especially concerned about a task and reward program because it has addictive potential. This allows users to collect points when they complete certain tasks in the TikTok Lite app version, such as watching videos or liking content. This can be addictive and is especially concerning for children, as it is not clear whether users’ ages are effectively verified.
The online platform must provide a risk assessment of the new reward features within 24 hours or face daily fines. According to the commission, TikTok, for example, could face fines of up to one percent of its total annual turnover or global sales.
Also targeted for possible illegal content
This is the second case against the Chinese company. Since mid-February, Brussels has been concerned with whether those responsible for TikTok are doing enough to prevent the spread of illegal content. This is primarily about the protection of minors and the transparency of advertising. Brussels had already initiated a similar procedure against X (formerly Twitter).
Source: Krone
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