Yesterday, the EU issuedTikTokan ultimatum.
This is the EUs second probe into TikTok under theDigital Service Act(DSA).
The DSA is a new law to protect users from harmful or illegal online content.
It requires large platforms like TikTok to submit a risk assessment before launching any major new features.
The EUs latest gripe with the Chinese-owned company is over TikTok Lite.
The barebones version of the regular app was launched in France and Spain in March.
TikTok Lite is designed to run on slower internet connections and use less memory.
It’s free, every week, in your inbox.
TikTok Lite allows adult users to earn points under a so-called Reward Program.
you’re able to then exchange these points for rewards, such asAmazonvouchers or PayPal gift cards.
This new feature financially rewards extra screen time, said EU commissioner Thierry Breton.
It could also impose periodic penalties up to 5% of TikToks average daily income.
We are disappointed with this decision, TikTok said in astatement.
We will continue discussions with the Commission.
TikTok faces mounting scrutiny from regulators across the world over concerns ranging from national security todata privacy.
But TikTok wont go down quietly, and ByteDance has no plans to divest the company.
It is instead prepping for a long legal battle in the US, theFinancial Timesreports.
However, in the EU, aban on TikTok is highly unlikely.
Instead, it focuses on investigating specific legal breaches and sanctioning them.
In February 2024, the Commission opened itsfirst formal proceedings against TikTokto assess whether the company breached the DSA.
The investigation is ongoing.
Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
