European Commission Opens Proceedings Against TikTok

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Facts

  • The European Commission (EC) has opened a second probe against TikTok under the Digital Services Act (DSA), mandating the social media platform to provide proof of safety over its new 'Task and Reward Program.'1
  • A feature of TikTok Lite available in France and Spain, Task and Reward provides users with monetary benefits for activities such as watching and liking content, following users, and inviting others to join the platform.2
  • Releasing a statement on Tuesday, the EC claimed that its investigation will focus on potential 'systemic risks' of TikTok Lite's feature, citing 'negative effects on mental health' and the promotion of 'stimulating addictive behavior.'3
  • The EC announced that TikTok had until April 23 to submit its risk assessment and until May 3 to provide all other requested information. The social media platform has already failed to meet an initial April 18 deadline to submit a report concerning TikTok Lite's potential risks.3
  • If found to have not complied with the DSA, Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) are liable to fines of up to six percent of annual global turnover as well as periodic penalties of up to five percent of daily global turnover.4
  • The EC also stated its intention to suspend TikTok Lite's feature as an interim measure until its safety is assessed. In a statement, TikTok claimed that it was 'disappointed' with the EC's decision and that the program was neither available to children nor an unlimited service.5

Sources: 1euractiv.com, 2CNBC, 3European Commission, 4Shaping Europe’s digital future and 5Euronews.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by Context. Big Tech cannot be allowed to get away with producing intentionally addictive content with real implications for mental health. The DSA is only the beginning — lawmakers throughout the world must take further steps to ensure that users are protected from exploitative algorithms and harmful content.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Reason.com. The DSA is an egregious example of government overreach. While it's admirable that the EU is attempting to set rules that could provide some order to the internet, these powers are a pathway to infringe upon the free speech of Europeans, to censor content on social media platforms, and to further control the behavior of individuals.

Predictions