European Union regulators have issued a warning to popular social media app TikTok, threatening to fine the company over potentially addictive features on its TikTok Lite version. The Lite app was designed to work more smoothly on slower wireless networks, but it has now landed TikTok in hot water with regulators.
The E.U. investigation comes as TikTok faces increasing scrutiny over its links to China, data collection practices, and potential harm to children. The authorities in Europe have accused TikTok of not conducting a legally required risk assessment before introducing new features that incentivize users to spend more time on the app. These features, which allow users to earn rewards for watching videos, liking content, and following creators, have raised concerns about addiction and mental health issues, particularly among children.
This is not the first time TikTok has come under fire in Europe, as the company is already facing another investigation related to age-verification protections and addictive design features. In the United States, lawmakers have also taken action against TikTok, with the Senate expected to vote on a bill that could force ByteDance, TikTok’s owner, to sell the app due to national security concerns.
TikTok Lite, which is popular in countries like India, Brazil, and Indonesia, has recently been introduced in Spain and France. The app is designed to use less memory and work on phones with lower-speed wireless networks. However, under the Digital Services Act, TikTok is required to submit risk assessments before making major changes to its products or services, a requirement that the company allegedly failed to meet.
TikTok has until April 23 to submit a risk assessment report to the European Commission, and until May 3 to provide additional requested information. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to 1 percent of the company’s annual revenue, as well as additional penalties. TikTok has expressed disappointment with the decision and stated that they will continue discussions with the commission.
As TikTok faces regulatory challenges on both sides of the Atlantic, the future of the popular app remains uncertain. Stay tuned for updates as the situation continues to unfold.
