TikTok Removes Rewards Feature Amid EU Concerns

TikTok has agreed to withdraw a controversial rewards feature from its TikTok Lite app after concerns were raised by the European Commission regarding its potential to encourage excessive screen time, particularly among children. This marks the first resolution of an investigation under the EU's Digital Services Act, which aims to create a safer online environment for users. Although TikTok did not admit to violating the act, the commission has made the withdrawal legally binding, emphasizing the need for platforms to assess features that may have addictive effects. The rewards program allowed users to earn points for activities like watching videos and following creators, which could be converted into gift cards. The commission initiated the investigation due to concerns over ineffective age verification mechanisms and the risks of behavioral addiction. This decision does not affect ongoing probes into other TikTok practices regarding minors and advertising transparency.