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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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TikTok ban: What could it mean for creators?

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The recent ban on popular social media app TikTok has sent shockwaves throughout the creator community, leaving many uncertain about the future of their careers.

On March 24th, 2023, the United States government officially banned the app, citing concerns over data privacy and national security. This decision comes after months of debate and controversy surrounding TikTok’s ownership by Chinese company ByteDance and its potential ties to the Chinese government.

While the ban is certainly a blow to TikTok’s massive user base, it may be even more devastating for the app’s content creators. TikTok has become a major platform for aspiring influencers and creators, with many building large followings and even launching lucrative careers through the app.

Without TikTok, these creators will be forced to find new platforms and audiences to share their content with. Some may turn to other social media apps like Instagram or YouTube, while others may look for emerging platforms to try and replicate the success they found on TikTok.

However, this transition may not be easy for all creators. TikTok’s unique algorithm and user base have helped many creators achieve viral fame in ways that may be difficult to replicate on other platforms. Additionally, the ban may lead to a loss of revenue for creators who were earning money through sponsorships and partnerships with brands.

Many TikTok creators have taken to social media to express their disappointment and frustration with the ban, with some even calling on the government to reconsider their decision. However, it remains unclear whether the ban will be lifted or if creators will have to adapt to a TikTok-less world.

For now, creators will have to navigate the uncertain landscape of social media and find new ways to connect with their audiences. While the TikTok ban may be a setback, it may also present new opportunities for creators to explore and grow their careers in new directions.

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France To Ban TikTok On Phones Of Civil Servants

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According to Civil Service Minister Stanislas Guerini’s tweets, TikTok will no longer be allowed on government employees’ work phones in France.

“In order to guarantee the cybersecurity of our administrations and civil servants, the government has decided to ban recreational applications such as TikTok on the professional phones of civil servants,” he said in a statement.

He continued by saying that for some weeks, a number of France’s European and international allies had implemented policies to limit or forbid their governments’ employees from downloading and installing the TikTok programme.

Guerini stated that recreational applications lack the cybersecurity and data protection standards necessary to be installed on government equipment. He also added that the prohibition is applicable right now and that government agencies will monitor compliance.

According to him, exemptions can occasionally be granted for business purposes, such as institutional communication from an administration.

In recent weeks, a number of Western governments and institutions, including the UK parliament, the Dutch and Belgian administrations, and the New Zealand parliament, have all outlawed TikTok.

The Commission and the Council, the two largest policy-making bodies in the European Union, banned TikTok on employee phones late last month because to security concerns.

Global worries have grown about the possibility that ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, could provide the Chinese government access to users’ contact information and location information.

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