The European Union has issued a warning of potentially prohibiting a novel service initiated by TikTok within the region.
It has articulated concerns regarding the potential addictiveness of this new service, likening it to the addictive nature of cigarettes.
A call has been made to the TikTok organization to present compelling and substantiated evidence that guarantees the protection of minors.
This marks the inaugural utilization by the EU of enhanced authoritative capabilities to enforce penalties on social media enterprises.
The EU Digital Service Act (DSA) was enforced in August of 2023.
As reported by the Guardian UK, the EU commission has granted TikTok until Wednesday to provide a defense that will be meticulously reviewed.
Thierry Breton, the digital commissioner, emphasized that the video-sharing platform, TikTok Lite, owned by a Chinese entity, failed to demonstrate compliance with the act’s mandates, labeling the service as detrimental.
In the event of an unsatisfactory response to the concerns raised by regulators regarding the impact on users’ mental health, the incentivization feature may be suspended within the European bloc.
Despite the ongoing DSA inquiry into TikTok concerning other child safety issues, Breton noted the company’s recent launch of the application in France and Spain.
Highlighting the extensive usage of TikTok by numerous European children, Breton affirmed the commission’s unwavering commitment to their protection.
The innovative watch-and-earn application provides users with rewards such as Amazon vouchers, PayPal gift cards, or TikTok’s Coins currency in exchange for points accumulated through various tasks like video watching, content liking, and following activities.
