European officials are threatening TikTok with massive fines and a possible forced suspension of parts of a new spinoff app called TikTok Lite due to concerns over addictive features. The EU has expressed fears that the rewards feature in TikTok Lite could turn users into addicts, leading to serious harm to their mental health. This move follows the US House of Representatives passing legislation that could potentially ban TikTok from the US over national security concerns. The EU probe is the first instance of Commission officials using new tools granted under the Digital Services Act to regulate online platforms.
TikTok has responded to the EU warnings, stating that the TikTok Lite rewards hub is not available to those under 18 and has daily limits on video watch tasks. The European Commission has given TikTok 48 hours to defend its reward program and may order the suspension of the rewards feature in TikTok Lite as an urgent temporary measure. Failure to comply with providing information about TikTok Lite, including a risk assessment report and risk mitigation report, could result in fines of up to 1% of TikTok’s global annual revenue and additional penalties. If the features being investigated are deemed violations of the DSA, TikTok could face further fines of up to 6% of its global annual revenue.
The threat of forced suspension and potential fines are procedural tools that the European Commission has not used previously under the DSA. Despite over 40 requests for information sent by the Commission, companies have always complied by providing the required information in the past. However, TikTok has yet to provide the requested information, leading to the possibility of fines and penalties if they do not comply. Commission officials have not disclosed whether TikTok has offered an explanation for not submitting the required information.
The EU’s focus on TikTok Lite and the addictive features within the app is part of a broader effort to protect minors and address online harms under the DSA. The Commission’s actions demonstrate a commitment to enforcing regulations that prioritize the safety and well-being of users, particularly vulnerable populations like minors. These measures are designed to hold online platforms accountable for the content and features they offer, ensuring that they comply with regulations and do not pose potential risks to users’ mental health.
The potential suspension and fines facing TikTok underscore the growing scrutiny faced by tech companies over the content and features of their platforms. As online platforms play an increasingly significant role in people’s lives, regulators are taking steps to ensure that they operate responsibly and ethically. Companies like TikTok must adhere to regulations and guidelines set forth by regulatory bodies to mitigate harm to users and address concerns related to addictive features and content. Failure to comply with regulations could result in significant financial penalties and potential suspension of certain features or services.
