ByteDance’s new platform, TikTok Lite, is currently under investigation by the European Commission for its compliance with transparency and protection of minors. The platform promotes user engagement through a points and rewards system. TikTok Lite is an app where users aged 13 and older can accumulate points to redeem for 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 now in the testing phase in Europe, specifically in Spain and France.
According to reports, TikTok Lite was initially aimed at users of legal age but is now being 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 is distinguishable from the main TikTok application by a logo featuring a small white lightning bolt.
The European Commission is investigating TikTok Lite to understand its 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 the platform’s impact on minors and the company’s efforts to protect them.