TikTok suspends rewards program due to investigation by EU

ByteDance has decided to voluntarily suspend the reward functions of TikTok Lite to collaborate with the European Commission, which is investigating whether the app complies with its obligations of transparency and protection of minors. TikTok Lite is an extension application of TikTok that encourages users to watch and interact with videos using a points and rewards system. Currently in the testing phase in Spain and France, the app’s reward mechanism has attracted the attention of the European Union.

The EU has launched an investigation to understand the impact of TikTok Lite on minors and how the company has worked to mitigate risks such as addictive behaviors. ByteDance asserts that it collaborates constructively with authorities and has opted to suspend the points and rewards system voluntarily. In a brief statement shared on the social network X, ByteDance stated, “We are voluntarily suspending the rewards features on TikTok Lite while we address the concerns that have been raised.”

By pausing the rewards system, ByteDance aims to address the concerns raised by the European Commission and ensure compliance with regulations regarding transparency and protection of minors. The decision to suspend the rewards functions of TikTok Lite demonstrates ByteDance’s commitment to addressing these issues and cooperating with authorities to ensure the app’s safety for all users, particularly minors.