New TikTok Lite app raises EU concerns

TikTok will provide a risk assessment within 24 hours after the launch of its new app TikTok Lite in France and Spain, the European Commission said on Wednesday, citing concerns about the app’s impact on children and users’ mental health.

The stripped-down version of the TikTok app essentially pays users to watch videos and earn points that can be redeemed for rewards like coupons or gift cards. To participate, users must be 18 years or older and verify their age. They can watch up to one hour per day to earn rewards, which is equivalent to $1.06 per day.

The committee said TikTok parent ByteDance, based in China, should have conducted a risk assessment before the app was released.

The commission said the request “relates to the potential impact of the new ‘Tasks and Rewards Lite’ program on the protection of minors as well as on the mental health of users, particularly in relation to the potential stimulation of addictive behaviours.”

The detailed investigation was launched under the Digital Services Act 2022, which governs content moderation on 22 major online platforms including TikTok.

The committee said TikTok has until April 26 to provide the required additional information, following a 24-hour deadline for the risk assessment.

A TikTok spokesperson said: “We have contacted the commission directly about the product and will respond to requests for information.”

Information for this report was provided in part by The Associated Press and AFP.