European Commission launches second investigation into TikTok for alleged violations of DSA
The European Commission (EC) has launched an investigation into TikTok over suspected violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA) in the app's 'TikTok Lite,' which was launched in France and Spain. This is the second time the EC has investigated TikTok, following its investigation in
Commission opens proceedings against TikTok under the DSA
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_24_2227
EU opens probe of TikTok Lite, citing concerns about addictive design | TechCrunch
EU threatens TikTok Lite with ban over reward-to-watch feature | TikTok | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/apr/22/eu-threatens-to-ban-tiktok-lite-over-reward-to-watch-feature
'TikTok Lite' is a points-earning app that allows you to earn points by completing tasks such as watching various videos and giving 'likes' to videos.
TikTok Lite Points! Videos! Happy! Fun! - Apps on Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ss.android.ugc.tiktok.lite
The EC's problem was with the fundamental part of the system, which is that you get points for completing tasks. The EC claims that TikTok lacks an effective age verification mechanism, which puts children at risk of becoming addicted to 'point activities.'
What the EC is calling for is a risk assessment report to be submitted before the capability is deployed, in line with DSA mandates, and measures to mitigate the risk of adverse mental health impacts on minors.
The EC has already requested a risk assessment report for TikTok Lite by April 18, 2024, but TikTok did not submit it within the deadline. The deadline has now been extended to April 23, and TikTok is required to submit any other information requested by the Commission by May 3.
Failure to comply with a request for information within the deadline may result in fines of up to 1% of annual gross profits or annual worldwide turnover, and continuing fines of up to 5% of average daily profits or annual worldwide turnover.
In addition, an investigation into TikTok that has been ongoing since February 2024 for 'potential child endangerment' is still ongoing.
In response to a request for comment from news site TechCrunch, a spokesperson for TikTok's operator, ByteDance, said, 'We are disappointed with this decision. TikTok Lite's rewards feature is not available to anyone under the age of 18, and there are daily limits on video watch tasks. We will continue to engage with the Commission.'
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in Software, Web Service, Posted by logc_nt