/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11742007/acastro_1800724_1777_EU_0001.jpg?w=1155&resize=1155,770&ssl=1)
The light version of the TikTok app, which launched in two EU countries a couple of weeks ago, included a reward feature that paid users a small amount each day to engage with videos. European regulators launched an inquiry soon after, citing the feature’s potential for encouraging addiction — particularly in young people. TikTok responded today by suspending the feature in the EU while it addresses the investigation.
TikTok Lite is designed as a lightweight alternative to the main TikTok app for easier use on slow internet connections. It has been available in parts of Asia for years and became available in France and Spain earlier this month. Inside the app is a rewards hub that pays users in “coins” for doing things like logging in, watching ads, and liking videos. Coins can be redeemed for things like Amazon vouchers and PayPal gift cards. But you have to do a whole lot of engaging to make any significant amount of money — an hour of watching videos only earns about 36 euro cents (or 38 cents).
Citing the EU’s Digital Services Act, the commission took action, stating it had particular concerns about the reward feature’s potentially “addictive effect” on children. Speaking to Reuters, a TikTok spokesperson emphasized that the feature isn’t available to users under 18, but the European Commission’s complaint suggests that TikTok’s age verification mechanisms may not be strong enough to prevent kids from signing up anyway.