The European Union has given TikTok a tight deadline to submit a thorough risk assessment for its newly launched Lite app in France and Spain. This comes amidst growing concerns about the potential impact of the app on children and users’ mental well-being, as announced by the European Commission. This is not the first time TikTok has faced scrutiny from the European Union. Neither is it the first time a country threatened TikTok with a ban.
TikTok’s latest product, the rewards-focused TikTok Lite app, hit the markets in both countries this month, allowing users aged 18 and above to earn points for rewards like vouchers or gift cards.
The Commission stated that TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, should have conducted this risk assessment before the app’s launch and now requires additional details. This inquiry primarily revolves around the potential effects of the new app, particularly concerning the possibility of promoting addictive behavior, according to the Commission’s statement.
This request for information was made under the Digital Services Act (DSA), a recently enacted legislation imposing strict regulations on 22 major online platforms globally, including TikTok. It’s important to note that this demand is just the first step in the process and does not imply immediate punitive action against TikTok. Any further action would depend on the adequacy of TikTok’s response to the EU’s inquiries.
TikTok has assured compliance with the Commission’s directive. A TikTok spokesperson stated that the company had already been in direct contact with the commission regarding this product and would respond to the request for information.
In February, Brussels initiated a formal investigation under the DSA into TikTok’s alleged breaches of its obligations to protect minors online, particularly focusing on the company’s efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of social media on young users.
The Commission has previously requested information from TikTok on various concerns, including the potential risks associated with artificial intelligence ahead of the upcoming EU elections.
Recall that the U.S. House of Representatives provided TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, approximately six months to sell off its U.S. assets or confront a nationwide ban. This action was due to concerns regarding national security. The bill passed with bipartisan support, represents a broader trend of addressing security risks posed by various technologies, including TikTok.
However, there were a lot of divergent opinions, particularly among younger demographics who utilize the platform for political expression. Uncertainty looms over TikTok’s future across the globe, with questions surrounding the feasibility of divesting its assets within the stipulated timeframe given by the U.S. government and the potential enforcement challenges of a ban.
Australia, Estonia, the UK, EU institutions, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Taiwan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have all taken measures to ensure the TikTok ban due to security concerns. Several other countries, including India, Norway, and Nepal, have either banned TikTok or are considering bans due to concerns about national security and data privacy.