TikTok Faces Probe Over New App Launch in Europe: DSA Compliance Challenged

The European Commission has launched a probe against TikTok to assess whether the launch of its new app, TikTok Lite, in Spain and France may have violated the Digital Services Act (DSA). This legislation mandates that large platforms conduct a risk assessment report and implement measures to mitigate any systemic risks before launching a new product. The Commission has set deadlines for TikTok to provide the necessary reports and information, failing which fines and sanctions may be imposed.

TikTok Lite is a new feature that rewards users with points for daily logins, watching videos, and recommending the app to others. The platform aims to generate revenue through this program by offering creators the opportunity to earn money or exchange points for gift vouchers. Despite TikTok’s focus on adult users, Brussels is concerned about how the program may impact minors, especially in terms of addictive behavior and the absence of effective age verification mechanisms.

This investigation marks the second time that the Commission has taken action against TikTok under the DSA. The probe aims to scrutinize TikTok’s compliance with regulations related to advertising transparency, data access for researchers, and risk management related to addictive design. The outcome of these proceedings will determine whether TikTok Lite can continue operating in Europe and whether any changes need to be made to comply with DSA regulations.