In France and Spain the new version of TikTok Lite has been launched. This version has some little changes such as paying users to watch videos. The European Commission asked questions about it and TikTok has 24 hours to respond to the European Commission about its app.
Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner compared this new version to “light” cigarettes asking if it’s as addictive and harmful. TikTok said they will provide the detailed answer to the Commission’s questions.
They also mentioned that right now they don’t have plans to release the new version of TikTok known as TikTok “ Lite” in other European countries.
TikTok Lite is the streamlined version of the regular platform. It has a different feature from regular one. It pays users by completing different tasks. The payment is one regular base for watching videos and being active on the internet.
The European Commission has requested TikTok to provide details about the risk assessment it conducted before launching this feature. This may affect the child’s mental health and make them addicted to this app. And the European Commission is worried about this.
They also want TikTok to share information on the different steps that have been taken to minimize the risks. 26th April was the deadline from the European Commission to respond and give answers about all questions.
New TikTok that has tasks and reward features. Users can earn coins by completing daily tasks such as watching, liking, or sharing videos.
In order to earn the reward TikTok set the limit of screen time. It is a minimum of one hour. Users can’t earn more than about €1 (£0.85) per day.
Only those users who are over 18 years old win the reward.
According to French newspaper Le Monde, users can only earn rewards on videos that are suggested by TikTok’s algorithmic feeds, not on videos they search for themselves.
According to the newspaper, “The users have no choice”. “Only viewing content proposed by the application is rewarded.”
There is a report that compared this feature to video games. Video games also have features based on the players activity and also encourage players to keep playing and coming back.
Dr. Sarah Hodge, a cyberpsychologist at Bath Spa University, described the rewards program as a “completely different approach” to how social media usually tries to keep people engaged. She said, “They’re making it much clearer and openly rewarding people.”
Dr. Hodge, who specializes in gaming and digital addiction, told the BBC that these rewards could have a significant impact, even though they may not be big in financial terms.
According to her, “It is very motivating and enjoyable to get rewards, and I think it just keeps pulling us back”.
According to Dr. Hodge, “ if people want to spend less time on TikTok Lite and there are extra things trying to keep people engaged, that will cause problems.”
European Union Vs TikTok
The Digital Services Act(DSA) introduced by the European Union last year has some special purpose. It aims to give itself more power over big tech companies. Now, the European Commission has asked TikTok to explain itself under these new rules.
A formal investigation started into TikTok in February. They just want to check that TikTok fulfills the rule or not. The rules about protecting data, keeping children safe, and handling harmful content. On this investigation TikTok said it would cooperate and keep working with online safety experts.
DSA is one of the important acts that assist to manage digital platforms. Its main purpose is to check that companies like TikTok follow rules and also make sure that the different platforms are safe for kids.
The EU wants to ensure that tech giants respect these rules and act responsibly. This move also highlights the European Union commitment to ensure the citizens’ online appearance is safe.
So, different tech companies are responsible for their actions in the European Union. It also makes sure that they protect people’s data, keep children safe, and manage harmful content properly.
Furthermore, TikTokmis ready to cooperate. It also highlights they are ready to adjust their policies to meet EU standards. This could lead to changes that better protect users and align with what’s expected in Europe.
