ByteDance has decided to voluntarily suspend TikTok Lite’s reward functions in order to collaborate with the European Commission, which is investigating whether the app complies with its obligations of transparency and protection of minors. The app, which is currently in the testing phase in Spain and France, has a points and rewards system that encourages users to watch videos and interact with them.
The suspension of the points and rewards system comes after concerns were raised about its impact on minors and how ByteDance worked to mitigate any risks they may have been exposed to. The company assures that it always collaborates constructively with authorities.
In a statement shared on the social network, ByteDance said: “We are voluntarily suspending the rewards features on TikTok Lite while we address the concerns that have been raised.” Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for the Internal Market, took note of TikTok’s decision to suspend the program in the EU. He stated: “Our children are not social media guinea pigs. I take note of TikTok’s decision to suspend the #TikTokLite Rewards Program in the EU. Cases against TikTok continue due to the platform’s risk of addiction.”
The Digital Services Law guarantees the security of the European online space, and ByteDance assures that it will continue working constructively with authorities to ensure that its platforms are safe for all users.
