ByteDance’s TikTok Lite: A Closer Look at the App’s Impact on Minors and the European Commission’s Investigation

The European Commission is currently investigating ByteDance’s new platform, TikTok Lite, for its compliance with transparency and protection of minors. TikTok Lite is an app that allows users aged 13 and older to accumulate points to redeem rewards, with additional features available for those aged 18 and over. The app is now available for download on the Apple App Store and Android Google Play after being implemented in Japan and South Korea, and is currently in the testing phase in Europe, specifically in Spain and France.

TikTok Lite was initially aimed at users of legal age but has since been tested in Europe. The platform offers financial incentives to users for watching videos and interacting with content on TikTok. Users can earn points by viewing content, inviting friends to join, and performing other actions that can be exchanged for gift cards or tips for creators. The app features a logo featuring a small white lightning bolt that sets it apart from the main TikTok application.

The European Commission is closely monitoring TikTok Lite’s impact on minors and how ByteDance is working to protect them from potential risks. The investigation is taking place within the framework of the Digital Services Act, which requires large platforms to conduct impact assessments before launching new services in the EU. TikTok has until April 26 to provide detailed information about the impact of TikTok Lite and its measures to protect minors from addictive behaviors.

Overall, TikTok Lite is a platform that incentivizes user engagement through a points system, offering rewards for various interactions on the app. The European Commission is closely monitoring its impact on minors and ByteDance’s efforts to protect them from potential risks associated with addictive behaviors.