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EU Questions TikTok: New App Rewards Watching - Concerns Over Minors & Mental Health
The European Union has raised concerns about TikTok's new app that rewards users for watching videos. The EU regulators have sent a "request for information" to TikTok regarding its TikTok Lite app in France and Spain. TikTok has acknowledged the request and stated that they will respond to the EU's inquiry.
The European Union (EU) has raised concerns about a new app from TikTok that rewards users for watching videos. The EU regulators have sent a "request for information" to TikTok regarding its recently launched TikTok Lite app in France and Spain.
Under the EU's Digital Services Act, social media platforms are required to conduct risk assessments before deploying new apps. The European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, is seeking details about the risk assessment carried out by TikTok before releasing the app in the European market.
TikTok has acknowledged the request and stated that they have been in direct contact with the Commission regarding the product. They have assured that they will respond to the request for information.
TikTok Lite is a slimmed-down version of the main TikTok app and does not include e-commerce or livestreaming features. According to its app store listing, users can "earn great rewards" by watching videos, liking content, and following content creators. These rewards can be exchanged for Amazon vouchers and gift cards on PayPal.
However, TikTok has imposed certain restrictions on the rewards system. Only users who are 18 years and older and have verified their age are eligible for rewards. Users can earn rewards by watching up to one hour of videos per day, with a daily cap of one euro ($1.06).
The European Commission is particularly interested in the potential impact of the app on the protection of minors and the mental health of users, especially in relation to the stimulation of addictive behavior. They have given TikTok a deadline of 24 hours to provide the risk assessment and until April 26 to furnish additional information on the measures taken to mitigate these risks.
The EU's scrutiny of TikTok's new app is part of its ongoing efforts to regulate digital platforms and ensure the safety and well-being of users. With the Digital Services Act in place, social media platforms are expected to adhere to stricter guidelines and take responsibility for the content and features they offer.
The European Union has raised concerns about TikTok's new app that rewards users for watching videos.
The EU regulators have sent a "request for information" to TikTok regarding its TikTok Lite app in France and Spain.
TikTok has acknowledged the request and stated that they will respond to the EU's inquiry.
Source: AP NEWS