TikTok has recently suspended its Lite app, which paid users to watch videos or recommend other users. The app was launched as a test in Spain and France, and the European Commission had threatened to block it if TikTok did not provide guarantees that minors would not access it or become addicted to it.
The suspension, currently for 60 days, could be extended as conversations with the European Commission continue. Users who had already downloaded the Lite app and registered for the rewards service will still be able to redeem their rewards for a few more days. TikTok stated that their decision to suspend the Lite app was voluntary in order to address concerns raised by the European Commission.
In addition to the issues with the Lite app in Europe, TikTok is facing challenges in the United States as well. President Joe Biden signed a law giving ByteDance, which owns TikTok, nine months to sell the app or face a ban in the country. The concerns in the US revolve around potential Chinese government influence and data privacy issues.
The Lite app was designed to provide rewards to users for engaging with the platform, with the goal of attracting more adult users to TikTok. However, there are loopholes that could allow minors to access it despite TikTok’s assertion that it is targeted at adults only. Despite these concerns, TikTok remains committed to working closely with regulatory authorities in both Europe and the US to ensure that its platforms are safe and appropriate for all users.
Overall, this suspension highlights how regulatory compliance and user safety remain top priorities for social media platforms such as TikTok. As such, we can expect more stringent regulations and guidelines on user data protection and age verification measures moving forward from both European Union regulators and American lawmakers alike.