The European Union has taken a firm stance on child safety concerns raised by ByteDance's popular social media platform TikTok, requesting a thorough risk assessment for the newly launched TikTok Lite application, Reuters reports.
TikTok Lite, which was released this month in France and Spain, features a "Task and Reward Lite" program that allows users over the age of 18 to earn points for engaging in various app activities such as watching videos, liking content, following creators, and inviting friends.
New Regulation to Safeguard Young Users
Under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into effect earlier this year, the European Commission has intensified its scrutiny of online platforms, aiming to ensure compliance with stringent regulations aimed at protecting users, particularly minors, from harmful content and addictive behaviors.
The DSA authorizes the Commission to impose fines of up to 6% of a company's global annual turnover for violations.
EU Questions Bytedance Over TikTok Lite Launch
In response to mounting concerns over the potential impact of TikTok Lite on child safety and users' mental health, the EU industry chief Thierry Breton has issued a directive requiring ByteDance to furnish a comprehensive risk assessment within 24 hours.
This assessment must address the potential risks posed by the "Task and Reward Lite" program, particularly its implications for addictive behavior and the protection of minors.
Furthermore, the Commission has requested additional information from ByteDance regarding the measures implemented to mitigate systemic risks associated with TikTok Lite.
This photograph taken on April 11, 2024, in Paris, shows the logo of the Chinese social network application TikTok Lite.
These measures are crucial for addressing broader concerns regarding the platform's impact on users' mental health and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.
The demand for a risk assessment and enhanced transparency measures follows the initiation of a formal probe into TikTok's practices under the DSA earlier this year.
The investigation, launched by the European Commission in February, encompasses a range of issues, including child safety, advertising transparency, data accessibility for researchers, and the management of addictive design and harmful content.
What's Next?
In light of these developments, TikTok finds itself under increasing scrutiny, alongside other online platforms subject to the provisions of the DSA. The European Commission's proactive approach reflects its commitment to upholding stringent standards for online safety and accountability, setting a precedent for regulatory action in the digital sphere.
Earlier this year, TikTok spoke out against an EU fee aimed at enforcing a content moderation law, mirroring a recent move by Facebook's parent company Meta.
TikTok has challenged the methodology used to calculate certain fees. The platform expressed particular dissatisfaction with the use of third-party estimates for its monthly active user numbers.
ByteDance faces mounting pressure to address the Commission's concerns and demonstrate its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of TikTok's user base.
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