Europe gives TikTok 24 hours to explain 'addictive and toxic' new app
The European Commission on Wednesday gave TikTok 24 hours to explain the risk assessment procedures it used before launching a version of the made-in-China app that rewards users for using it in certain ways.
Tasks include watching vids, liking content, or following other users. Rewards include Amazon vouchers, PayPal gift cards, or TikTok's in-app currency that can be used to tip other members.
The Google Play store rates the app as suitable for teens, and TikTok's description of the software emphasizes that it is a "smaller app" that requires "less data usage" – just the ticket for users with modest phones and download allowances.
It soon drew the attention of European commissioner for internal markets Thierry Breton, who asked "Is social media 'lite' as addictive and toxic as cigarettes 'light'?"
The Commission wants to understand "the potential impact of the new 'Task and Reward Lite' program on the protection of minors, as well as on the mental health of users, in particular in relation to the potential stimulation of addictive behavior." Also on the to-do list handed to TikTok is information about the measures the service adopted to mitigate such systemic risks.
