LONDON (AP) — TikTok said Wednesday that it’s halting a feature on its new app rewarding users in Europe for watching videos, after facing pressure from regulators worried about its addictive features.
The company backed down days after the European Union warned that the TikTok Lite app might have breached the 27-nation bloc’s digital regulations when it launched earlier this month. The EU’s executive Commission threatened to order the suspension of features that pose a risk to kids.
“TikTok always seeks to engage constructively with the EU Commission and other regulators,” it said in a post on social media platform X. “We are therefore voluntarily suspending the rewards functions in TikTok Lite while we address the concerns that they have raised.”
TikTok Lite, which was rolled out in France and Spain, is a slimmed-down version of the main TikTok app that lets users earn rewards. Points earned by watching videos, liking content and following content creators can then be exchanged for rewards including Amazon vouchers and gift cards on PayPal.
Israel hails 'success' after blocking unprecedented attack from Iran
China's automobile manufacturing sector logs steady expansion in 2023
Wealthy New Yorkers are ditching idyllic Manhattan townhouses for doorman
I flew from Scotland to Denmark for 24 hours for a family trip to Legoland
China’s unemployment rate for youth aged 16
Xiangjiang New Area of China's Hunan actively cultivates new quality productive forces
China detains 2 over tourist boat capsizing that killed 12, citing lack of safety equipment
Russia likely to veto a UN resolution calling for prevention of nuclear arms race in space
China unveils measures to optimize payment services
Love Island's Molly Marsh shows off dramatic hair transformation
Vatican complains after French court rules in favor of nun dismissed from religious order