TikTok Ends Rewards Program to Resolve EU Investigation
TikTok has permanently discontinued its TikTok Lite rewards feature in the European Union, following a commitment made to the European Commission, the body announced on Monday.
This action concludes the commission’s investigation into the rewards feature and marks the closure of the first case under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), a comprehensive legislative framework regulating large online platforms.
The investigation began over concerns that TikTok Lite’s rewards scheme, which incentivizes users to watch videos and refer friends, posed risks. The commission demanded that TikTok demonstrate compliance with the DSA’s risk assessment and mitigation rules, which aim to prevent illegal content and protect consumers, especially minors.
After the probe was announced, TikTok was given 48 hours to prove that the rewards feature did not present serious harm or face suspension. Subsequently, TikTok voluntarily suspended the program.
“Platform design features with addictive effects endanger user well-being,” said European Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager. “Therefore, we have made TikTok’s commitments legally binding under the DSA, sending a strong message to the social media industry.”
A TikTok spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the resolution and confirmed the permanent withdrawal of the TikTok Lite rewards program.
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