TikTok submitted the risk assessment required by the European Union (EU) for the new “TikTok Lite” app on Tuesday, according to its own statements. This means that the platform, which is known for its dance videos and is particularly popular with young people, averted a fine for the time being.
The EU objects to the “TikTok Lite” bonus program. Users receive points for every video they watch. Critics fear that this leads to an increased potential for addiction. The subsidiary of the Chinese company ByteDance recently launched “TikTok Lite” in France and Spain.
As a particularly large online service, the company is subject to stricter regulation under the European Digital Services Act (DSA). Among other things, this prohibits so-called “dark patterns”, i.e. manipulative practices that are used to keep customers on the platforms or encourage them to make purchases. In addition, the law obliges Internet companies to set up risk management and to take increased action against hatred and hate speech on the Internet. Violations can result in penalties of up to six percent of global annual turnover.