Commission sends request for information to TikTok regarding the launch of TikTok Lite in France and Spain

This concerns the potential impact of the new “Task and Reward Lite” programme on the protection of minors, as well as on the mental health of users, in particular in relation to the potential stimulation of addictive behaviour. The Commission is also requesting information about the measures the platform has put in place to mitigate such systemic risks.

TikTok must provide the risk assessment for TikTok Lite in 24 hours and the other requested information by 26 April 2024, after which the Commission will analyse TikTok's reply, and then assess next steps. A request for information is an investigatory act that does not prejudge potential further steps that the Commission may or may not decide to take. However, pursuant to Article 74 (2) of the DSA, the Commission can impose fines for incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in response to a request for information.

TikTok Lite is a new app with a new functionality aimed at users aged 18+: the “Reward Program”, which allows users to earn points while performing certain “tasks” on TikTok, such as watching videos, liking content, following creators, inviting friends to join TikTok, etc. These points can be exchanged for rewards, such as Amazon vouchers, gift cards via PayPal or TikTok's coins currency that can be spent on tipping creators. TikTok Lite was launched in France and Spain in April 2024.

In February 2024, the Commission opened formal proceedings against TikTok to assess whether TikTok may have breached the DSA in areas linked to the protection of minors, advertising transparency, data access for researchers, as well as the risk management of addictive design and harmful content. The Commission is now gathering more evidence.

More information

Digital Services Act (DSA)