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TikTok withdraws ‘Lite’ rewards from EU to comply with tech rules

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ByteDance’s TikTok has agreed to permanently discontinue its TikTok Lite rewards program in the EU to comply with the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), according to a statement from the European Commission on Monday.

The TikTok Lite app includes a “Reward Programme” that allows users to accumulate points by completing various tasks on the platform, such as watching videos, liking content, following creators, or inviting friends to join.

In April, the EU requested an immediate risk assessment from TikTok following the app’s launch in France and Spain, citing concerns about its potential effects on children and users’ mental health.

Under the DSA, major online platforms are required to report potential risks associated with new features to the EU prior to their launch and must implement effective measures to mitigate these risks.

The EU’s executive branch noted that TikTok has made legally binding commitments to withdraw the rewards program from the EU and not to introduce any alternative programs that could circumvent this decision. Any violation of these commitments would constitute a breach of the DSA and could result in fines, the commission stated.

Additionally, an ongoing investigation is looking into whether TikTok has violated online content regulations designed to protect children and ensure transparent advertising. This investigation began in February and could expose the platform to significant fines.

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Georgia parliament overturns veto on foreign agents law

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Georgia’s MPs have overturned a presidential veto on the controversial “transparency on foreign influence” bill, commonly referred to as the “foreign agents law,” after several weeks of protests in Tbilisi. The law mandates that media and NGOs receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad must register as “organisations acting in the interest of a foreign power,” undergo stringent audits, or face heavy fines. The vote in a plenary session on Tuesday saw 84 MPs, primarily from the governing Georgian Dream party, in favor, with four votes against and the opposition abstaining.

Thousands of Georgians protested outside parliament, waving Georgian and EU flags. The law, initially passed on May 14 and then vetoed by pro-Western President Salome Zourabishvili, is set to take effect in 60 days. The Georgian government argues that the law will enhance transparency and protect against foreign interference. However, opponents, calling it the “Russian law” due to its similarity to existing Russian legislation, believe it aims to suppress dissent ahead of October’s parliamentary elections.

The EU expressed deep regret over the parliament’s decision, warning that the bill could hinder Georgia’s progress within the bloc. Georgia achieved candidate country status in December 2023. Many NGOs have declared they will not comply with the legislation, describing it as “insulting” and “factually incorrect.”

As MPs debated the bill, protesters gathered outside parliament under heavy police presence. Following the vote, demonstrators shouted “slaves!” and “Russians!” Police have frequently used force against protesters, with reports of beatings and intimidation. Despite this, many demonstrators, predominantly young, continue to protest, viewing their future as dependent on aligning with Europe.

Observers believe the passing of the foreign agents law has become crucial for the survival of Georgian Dream, alienating many traditional partners. The US joined the EU in warning of repercussions, with the US State Department announcing travel restrictions on those undermining democracy in Georgia and their families. However, authorities dismissed these warnings, with Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze asserting that there would be no compromise against national interests.

With limited options left to halt the bill, President Zourabishvili presented a new charter on Monday to move Georgia towards Europe, calling for a new political reality, different elections, and significant reforms to depoliticize the justice system and security services. She invited all opposition parties to sign the charter by June 1 and unite for the parliamentary elections in October.

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Clashes Erupt in Georgia Over Proposed ‘Foreign Agent’ Bill

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Riot police in Georgia deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators protesting against a proposed bill, which the opposition views as an attack on media freedoms. The clashes erupted outside the parliament building in Tbilisi, where protesters hurled eggs and bottles at the police. Despite the retreat of the crowds, confrontations persisted late into Tuesday evening along Rustaveli Avenue, resulting in several injuries and arrests.

The bill, known as the “foreign agent” legislation, received preliminary approval from lawmakers on April 17th. Introduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party, it mandates that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and independent media outlets, receiving over 20% of their funding from foreign sources, register as entities “advancing the interests of a foreign power.” These organizations would be subject to oversight by Georgia’s justice ministry and could face penalties, including significant fines.

The passage of the bill’s initial reading sparked a wave of street demonstrations. Reports indicate that several protesters sustained injuries during Tuesday’s clashes in Tbilisi, including Levan Khabeishvili, chairman of the main opposition party, United National Movement, who was reportedly hospitalized after a severe beating.

Eyewitnesses also observed instances of police officers physically assaulting protesters, according to Reuters news agency. A number of demonstrators were reportedly taken into custody. However, Georgian authorities have not publicly addressed these allegations of injuries or police misconduct.

Critics of the bill argue for its repeal, contending that it mirrors authoritarian legislation used by Russia to suppress dissent. They fear it could stifle critical voices ahead of this year’s parliamentary elections and impede Georgia’s progress toward EU membership. European leaders and the United States have warned that adopting the foreign agents law would undermine Georgia’s European aspirations.

Despite international concerns, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s government remains steadfast in its support of the bill. Kobakhidze has accused NGOs of attempting to foment revolutions in Georgia and of promoting “gay propaganda.” He maintains that the legislation aims to enhance transparency and denies allegations that it contradicts European values or serves Russian interests.

In response to the protests, Georgian Dream organized its own rally, where party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili criticized Western interference. The situation underscores the deepening divide within Georgia over the bill and its implications for democracy and international relations.

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Apple, Meta and Google to be investigated by the EU

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The European Union has initiated investigations into major tech companies such as Meta, Apple, and Alphabet (Google’s parent company) over potential violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) introduced in 2022. If found guilty, these companies could face fines of up to 10% of their annual turnover.

EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager and industry head Thierry Breton announced the investigations, focusing on allegations of anti-competitive practices by these tech giants. The DMA, which targets companies considered to be digital gatekeepers, aims to foster fair competition in the digital market.

The investigations are particularly focused on whether these companies are impeding fair competition, such as by limiting app communication with users, restricting user choice, or favoring their own services in search results. For instance, Apple faces scrutiny for its App Store policies, while Meta is being investigated for its advertising practices.

These investigations come shortly after Apple was fined €1.8 billion for competition law violations related to music streaming, and amid a landmark lawsuit in the United States accusing Apple of monopolizing the smartphone market.

Both Apple and Meta have responded, expressing willingness to engage with the investigation and asserting their compliance with the DMA. However, Alphabet has yet to comment on the matter.

The EU aims to complete the investigations within approximately 12 months, with a focus on ensuring open and contestable digital markets in Europe. The timing of these actions, just ahead of European Parliament elections, underscores the EU’s commitment to consumer protection and fair competition in the digital sphere.

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Slovenia Covid: Thousands to get lockdown fine refunds

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In Ljubljana, a delivery rider’s indulgence in a €400 burek, a Balkan pastry, during the initial Covid lockdown marked an unusual and notably expensive fast-food experience. The incident garnered attention as police surrounded the rider for a seemingly minor offense – not wearing a mask while eating on the steps of a church. This photograph became a poignant symbol of the stringent enforcement of Covid restrictions during the pandemic in the Slovenian capital.

Over a span of more than two years, the authorities in Slovenia issued a staggering €6 million in fines, affecting more than 60,000 individuals who allegedly violated anti-Covid measures. The fines were issued under the strict regulations imposed by the previous right-wing administration led by former Prime Minister Janez Janša. These measures included restrictions on freedom of movement and assembly, local travel limitations, and a nighttime curfew. The hungry food delivery driver was just one of many who faced penalties for violating face mask mandates, even in outdoor settings, and navigating daily activities without a Covid certificate became exceptionally challenging.

This week, a significant development takes place as legislation comes into effect to refund the fines issued during this period. This initiative fulfills a promise made by Prime Minister Robert Golob before his center-left Freedom Movement came into power last year. The move aims to rectify the harsh consequences of the previously imposed measures and rebuild public trust in the rule of law, which had been significantly undermined by what is now deemed as excessive and unconstitutional repression during the pandemic.

While the decision to refund fines has been welcomed by many, it has not been universally embraced. Some critics, including a member of Janez Janša’s SDS party, argue that repaying fines is a disregard for the efforts of health workers who tirelessly fought to save lives during the pandemic. However, the current administration, represented by Justice Minister Dominika Švarc Pipan, views the restitution legislation as essential for restoring Slovenians’ confidence in the rule of law, particularly in the aftermath of what is perceived as overzealous and unconstitutional measures imposed during the Covid crisis.

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Italy bans lab-grown meat in nod to farmers

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Italian Members of Parliament have given their approval to a law that bans the production, sale, or import of lab-grown meat or animal feed, a move championed by the right-wing government under the banner of defending Italian culinary traditions. Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida asserted that Italy has become the first nation to shield itself from the perceived social and economic risks associated with synthetic food. The parliamentary vote prompted both support and opposition, leading to a physical altercation between farmers and some MPs.

Despite the scuffle, the bill passed with a majority of 159 votes in favor and 53 against. Violating the law could result in fines of up to €60,000. Presently, the impact of the law is limited, as lab-grown meat has only been approved for human consumption in Singapore and the United States. The European Union has yet to give the green light to lab-grown meat, categorized as “novel foods.” If EU approval is granted, Italy’s new law may face challenges from the European Commission.

The legislation, initiated in response to a petition organized by the Coldiretti lobby group, prohibits synthetic foods produced from animal cells without causing harm to the animal. Additionally, it restricts producers from using meat-related terms on labels to describe plant-based protein. Critics argue that there is nothing synthetic about lab-grown meat, as it is created by growing natural cells without genetic modification.

The passage of this law marks a victory for Italy’s Agriculture Minister, who, a year ago, pledged to prevent “synthetic food” from entering Italian dining tables. Minister Lollobrigida praised MPs for supporting the new law, emphasizing the preservation of the relationship between food, land, and human labor that has endured for millennia. However, the petition behind the legislation faced condemnation from critics such as Prof Elena Cattaneo, a lifelong senator and bioscience specialist, who denounced it as an emotive leaflet that oversimplified the distinction between natural and cultivated foods.

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Denmark intends to impose prison sentence for publicly incinerating the Quran

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In response to a series of Quran burnings that sparked outrage in Muslim countries, the Danish government has introduced a proposal to prohibit the public burning of religious texts, including the Quran. Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard emphasized that such acts not only harmed Denmark’s reputation but also posed a risk to its citizens’ safety. The new legislation aims to classify improper treatment of the Quran or Bible as a criminal offense, carrying penalties of fines and potential imprisonment for up to two years.

The Danish government, which holds a center-right stance, aims to convey a message to the international community through this move. Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen highlighted that recent weeks have witnessed around 170 demonstrations, some involving the burning of Quran copies near foreign embassies. Denmark’s intelligence agency, PET, has cautioned that these incidents have escalated the terrorist threat.

Denmark’s neighboring country, Sweden, has also experienced similar Quran burnings, leading to concerns about worsening security. However, both Denmark and Sweden had been cautious in their response due to their strong tradition of freedom of expression. Sweden abolished its blasphemy laws in the 1970s.

Denmark’s decision to address this issue gained momentum after further Quran burnings occurred in both countries in July. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) urged its member nations to take appropriate action against countries where such desecration occurred.

The Danish justice minister clarified that the proposed change in the law wasn’t directed at verbal, written, or satirical expressions. Rather, the focus was on curbing actions that only fueled division and hatred. Deputy Prime Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen stressed the importance of responsible behavior even while exercising freedom of expression.

Denmark acknowledged that it couldn’t ignore the negative implications of these actions on its security. Meanwhile, Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, noted that his country wouldn’t follow Denmark’s approach, citing the need for potential constitutional amendments.

The Danish government plans to present the proposed legal changes on September 1st, with the aim of passing them in parliament by year-end. The prohibition is expected to be included within a section of the criminal code that addresses public insults toward foreign states, flags, or symbols.

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