EU Threatens TikTok Lite With Suspension

On Monday 22nd April the European Union (EU) demanded TikTok provide more information about a new app that pays users to watch videos and warned that it could order the video sharing platform to suspend addictive features that pose a risk to children. Under the EU's Digital Services Act, companies can be fined up to 6% of global revenue.

Specifically, the EU's Commission, said it was concerned TikTok Lite's "Task and Reward Program" had been launched "without prior diligent assessment of the risks it entails, in particular those related to the addictive effect of the platforms." 

Children are thought to be especially at risk, given the suspected absence of effective age verification mechanisms on TikTok; the EU says the feature is "toxic and addictive", particularly when used by children. 

TikTok has a few days to defend the rewards programme, or it could be suspended as early as Thursday 25 April.
In addition, the Commission has opened formal proceedings against the social media company to assess whether it has broken EU law. TikTok has no plans to roll the feature out beyond France and Spain as it stands. It is also available in some countries in South East Asia.

Under EU law which came into force last year, large platforms like TikTok have to produce a risk assessment before they make large changes to their products.

TikTok launched its "Task and Rewards" programme recently in France and Spain. It is a new feature on TikTok Lite, a slimmed-down version of the main social media app, which uses less data and space on users' phones. 
Under the programme, users can earn the equivalent of a few pence per day for watching videos and engaging on the app.The Commission is investigating whether this could have negative effects on the mental health of users, including children, "especially as a result of the new feature stimulating addictive behaviour". 

TikTok says rewards are only open to people over the age of 18, and tools are in place to verify their ages. But the Commission suspects a "lack of effective age verification mechanisms".

This is the second formal investigation into TikTok launched in the EU. In February, the Commission opened formal proceedings against the social media company, investigating whether it broke rules around data protection, protection for children and policing harmful content. At the time, TikTok said it would cooperate with the investigation and continued to work with experts in online safety.

Under the terms of the EU’s  Digital Services Act, companies with more than 45 million average active users in the EU are ed as very large online platforms and must comply with stringent rules to fight illegal and harmful content on their platforms. 

“With our first DSA non-compliance case against TikTok still ongoing, the company has launched TikTok Lite which financially rewards extra screen time. We suspect TikTok ‘Lite’ could be as toxic and addictive as cigarettes ‘light... "

"Unless TikTok provides compelling proof of its safety, which it has failed to do until now, we stand ready to trigger DSA interim measures including the suspension of TikTok Lite feature which we suspect could generate addiction.” Breton said.

EU Commission   |    BBC    |    Yahoo   |    NBC   |    CNBC   |    Reuters    |    AP News    |     

You Might Also Read: 

TikTok Fined £12.7m For Breaching Child Protection Law:

___________________________________________________________________________________________

If you like this website and use the comprehensive 6,500-plus service supplier Directory, you can get unrestricted access, including the exclusive in-depth Directors Report series, by signing up for a Premium Subscription.

  • Individual £5 per month or £50 per year. Sign Up
  • Multi-User, Corporate & Library Accounts Available on Request

Cyber Security Intelligence: Captured Organised & Accessible


 

« The Risks Of NIST Non-Compliance
The Benefits Of Sharing Threat Intelligence »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

IT Governance

IT Governance

IT Governance is a leading global provider of information security solutions. Download our free guide and find out how ISO 27001 can help protect your organisation's information.

CYRIN

CYRIN

CYRIN® Cyber Range. Real Tools, Real Attacks, Real Scenarios. See why leading educational institutions and companies in the U.S. have begun to adopt the CYRIN® system.

Jooble

Jooble

Jooble is a job search aggregator operating in 71 countries worldwide. We simplify the job search process by displaying active job ads from major job boards and career sites across the internet.

North Infosec Testing (North IT)

North Infosec Testing (North IT)

North IT (North Infosec Testing) are an award-winning provider of web, software, and application penetration testing.

The PC Support Group

The PC Support Group

A partnership with The PC Support Group delivers improved productivity, reduced costs and protects your business through exceptional IT, telecoms and cybersecurity services.

Pervade Software

Pervade Software

Pervade Software is a global provider of dedicated compliance tracking software with monitoring & reporting capabilities.

Certus Software

Certus Software

Our Secure Data Erasure solutions protect customer data confidentiality by completely erasing it from data storage devices.

Global Station for Big Data & Cybersecurity (GSB)

Global Station for Big Data & Cybersecurity (GSB)

GSB is an interdisciplinary research hub to cover big data, information networks, and cybersecurity.

Cymulate

Cymulate

Cymulate is a SaaS-based breach and attack simulation platform that makes it simple to know and optimize your security posture any time, all the time.

BlueFiles

BlueFiles

BlueFiles enables users to send encrypted files securely while maintaining full control over recipients, access periods, downloads, and printing.

Malleum

Malleum

MALLEUM are specialists in penetration testing and security assessments. We think like hackers – and act like them – to disclose discreet dangers to your organization.

A3Sec

A3Sec

A3Sec provides professional solutions in the areas of Cybersecurity, Device Monitoring, Business Intelligence and Big Data.

InfoLock

InfoLock

Infolock are experts in data governance, providing consulting and advisory services that help organizations effectively secure, manage, and optimize their data.

Noblis

Noblis

Noblis is a dynamic science, technology, and strategy organization dedicated to creating forward-thinking technical and advisory solutions in the public interest.

Syracom

Syracom

syracom is a consultancy firm specialized in development of efficient business processes. With our expertise and IT competence, we develop tailored solutions for customers in various industries.

BIRD Cyber

BIRD Cyber

BIRD Cyber is a program to promote collaboration on cybersecurity and emerging technologies aimed at enhancing the cyber resilience of critical infrastructure.

Slamm Technologies

Slamm Technologies

Slamm Technologies is a trusted IT firm that offers Cyber Security Support, Corporate IT Solutions and Professional IT Training courses with international certification.

Otto

Otto

Stop Client-Side Attacks. Plug otto into your application security suite and protect your supply chain.

IT Solutions Consulting

IT Solutions Consulting

IT Solutions is a full-service IT partner providing managed services and other information technology solutions nationwide.

12Port

12Port

12Port network security solutions help companies tackle modern cybersecurity threats cost-effectively while implementing zero-trust architectures.

ITUS Secure Technologies

ITUS Secure Technologies

ITUS offer fully outsourced cybersecurity solutions working with leading security vendors, providing next-gen solutions.