The Chinese video platform TikTok is in trouble with the European Union (EU) again, this time over its Lite version. The European Commission has launched a second lawsuit against the online platform TikTok, focusing on whether its TikTok Lite application endangers the mental health of minors, potentially violating EU regulations.
TikTok Lite faces a second lawsuit from the EU
The Commission announced on April 22, 2024, in Brussels that it would investigate whether the TikTok Lite application risks minors’ mental health and, therefore, violates EU rules. Major platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok have had to comply with the Digital Services Act (DSA) since August 2023. The TikTok Lite app’s reward program, which allows users to earn points for completing specific tasks, raises concerns about addiction potential, especially among children.
Moreover, it’s unclear if the app has an effective age verification system. The European Commission criticized TikTok for releasing the app in France and Spain without conducting a risk assessment, which was due by April 18, 2024. TikTok failed to meet this deadline.
The online platform must now submit a risk assessment regarding new reward functions within 24 hours, or it could face daily fines. According to the Commission, TikTok could face a fine of up to one percent of its total annual revenue or global sales.
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In February 2024, the European Commission filed another lawsuit against TikTok. This case examined whether the online company took adequate measures to prevent the spread of illegal content and whether it violated EU rules on child protection and advertising transparency. The Commission stated that the second lawsuit against TikTok aims to determine if the online platform complies with the DSA.
The European Commission has also initiated similar proceedings against X (Twitter) in Brussels, with X subject to strict EU scrutiny regarding online content and user safety. The pressure is increasing on TikTok and other major online platforms to comply with the EU’s Digital Services Act.
Given the ongoing legal scrutiny, TikTok and other online platforms must demonstrate compliance with the EU’s regulations to avoid hefty fines and maintain their presence in the European market.
