What's happened
The European Commission has launched an investigation into TikTok Lite's rewards program over concerns of addiction risks, threatening to suspend the program. The EU is focused on safeguarding users, especially children, from potential harm.
Why it matters
The EU's investigation into TikTok Lite's rewards program highlights growing concerns over the impact of social media on mental health, particularly among young users. The potential suspension of the program underscores the EU's commitment to protecting users from addictive features.
What the papers say
The European Commission has raised concerns about the addictiveness of TikTok Lite's rewards program, with Commissioner Thierry Breton likening it to cigarettes. While TikTok has failed to provide a risk assessment, the EU is demanding more information to assess potential risks to users' mental health.
How we got here
TikTok Lite, a version of the popular app designed for slower internet connections, introduced a rewards program in France and Spain. The EU's Digital Services Act requires platforms to assess and mitigate risks, prompting the investigation into TikTok Lite's rewards program.
Common question
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Why is the EU launching a probe into TikTok Lite app?
The European Union's decision to launch an investigation into TikTok Lite app has sparked curiosity and concern among users. Let's delve into the reasons behind this probe and explore its potential implications for TikTok Lite users.
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Why did the EU suspend the rewards feature on TikTok Lite?
The EU's decision to suspend the rewards feature on TikTok Lite has sparked discussions about the impact of social media on children's mental health and addiction. Let's delve into the reasons behind this significant move and its implications for TikTok users in the EU.
More on these topics
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TikTok/Douyin is a Chinese video-sharing social networking service owned by ByteDance, a Beijing-based Internet technology company founded in 2012 by Zhang Yiming.
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The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 kmĀ² and an estimated total population of about 447 million.
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The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the EU treaties and managing the day-to-day business of the EU.
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The Digital Services Act is an upcoming package announced by the European Commission. Its expressed purpose is to update the European Union's legal framework, in particular by modernising the e-Commerce Directive adopted in 2000.