Under pressure from the European Union, TikTok is abandoning the TikTok Lite rewards system, deemed too addictive and dangerous for children’s mental health. The function will disappear in France and Spain.
This is already the end of TikTok Lite or, at least, of its only exclusive function.
In a press release published on April 24, the social network declared : “TikTok always seeks to engage constructively with the European Commission and other regulators. We are therefore voluntarily suspending the reward features in TikTok Lite while we address the concerns they have raised.” The company is putting an end to a series that began on April 11, with its secondary application which remunerated its users.
European Union disconnects TikTok Lite
Why abandon TikTok Lite? Because the European Union has vigorously attacked the social network. She accuses the ByteDance group of not having conducted a study on the risks created by its new application, as European regulations require it to do. The EU notably denounces a danger for the mental health of children, which goes against all current policies.
In this sense, the European Union had sent an ultimatum to TikTok. The social network had 24 hours to send him a report on its application, which it did, at the risk of suspension on April 25. TikTok, which undoubtedly knows that its report does not rule out the risks, prefers to be wise by removing its paid rewards itself.
“Our children are not the guinea pigs of social networks”welcomed Thierry Breton on X, following TikTok’s announcement.
In the European Union, TikTok Lite is only available in France and Spain as of April 24, 2024. The application should remain available, but without any exclusive functions (except a data saver). In other countries, notably in Asia, the reward system should be maintained.
TikTok plays its life in the United States
Why give in so quickly? Because TikTok is in danger.
On the verge of being banned in the United States, by decision of Congress and Joe Biden, the application could quickly collapse in the West (unless there is a takeover). Its CEO, Shou Zi Chew, reacted to the signing of the American law in a video. He calls on users to express their discontent, to save TikTok.
In short, TikTok Lite is just a small pebble in TikTok’s shoes. Getting rid of them to appease the EU was clearly the best decision.
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