The European Union has today opened a second official investigation into TikTok because it suspects the platform is violating the Digital Services Act due to the launch of TikTok Lite in France and Spain with the intention of suspending the in-app reward program in the European Union. These steps could also extend the suspension of the app entirely, not the first area to consider doing so

TikTok Lite is a version of TikTok designed for “Users who have less than 2GB of RAM, limited data, or are connecting to 2G or 3G networks.” It also includes a task and reward program, which allows users to earn in-app currency while completing certain “tasks” on the platform. These points, which can be earned by watching videos, liking content, following creators, inviting friends, etc. can then be used to support other creators on the platform.

The European Union states that it has been launched in France and Spain “Without a careful assessment in advance of the risks involved, in particular those related to the addictive effect of the platforms, and without taking effective measures to reduce risks.” In particular, the EU is concerned about the lack of effective age verification mechanisms on the platform, which has already been investigated.

This second investigation aims to focus on the following areas:

• TikTok’s compliance with the DSA obligation to conduct and submit a risk assessment report before deploying functionality, in this case the “Task and Reward Lite” program, which are expected to have a critical impact on systemic risks. Especially negative effects on mental health, including the mental health of minors, especially as a result of the new feature that stimulates addictive behavior.
• The measures taken by TikTok to reduce these risks.

The main deadlines for this investigation for TikTok are to submit the risk assessment report to the Commission by April 23, and provide the other required information by May 3. If TikTok does not respond to the information request, it can be fined up to 1% of total annual revenue or global turnover and periodic fines of up to 5% of average daily revenue or global annual turnover.

The commission also intends to suspend the reward program as part of the interim measures until the safety of the program is evaluated, TikTok was given until April 24 to present arguments in its defense.