EU raises risk assessment concerns as TikTok app launches
In response to the launch of TikTok Lite in France and Spain, the European Commission, on Wednesday, raised concerns about the app’s detrimental effects on children and users’ mental health and issued a demand for a risk assessment from TikTok within 24 hours.
In addition to the 24-hour deadline for the risk assessment, TikTok has been instructed to provide further requested information by April 26.
The new app entices users with rewards for watching videos. These rewards, like vouchers or gift cards, can be obtained by earning points, access is granted only to users above 18 and they are allowed to watch for a maximum of one hour each day, earning around $1.06 worth of rewards daily.
The commission has emphasised that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, headquartered in China, should have conducted a risk assessment prior to the app’s launch.
According to Voice of America, a TikTok spokesperson confirmed that they already communicated directly with the European Commission regarding the newly launched product. They affirm that TikTok will provide the requested information in response to the Commission’s inquiry.
“We have already been in direct contact with the commission regarding this product and will respond to the request for information,” the statement read.
ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company based in China, is under scrutiny for failing to conduct a risk assessment before the app’s release.
In February, the European Union initiated an investigation into TikTok over alleged breaches of child protection regulations. Now, with the European Commission demanding a risk assessment for TikTok Lite due to concerns over its impact on children and users’ mental health, the scrutiny of the platform’s practices continues to intensify.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Politics
Tinubu’s re-election will make Nigeria stronger, fairer: Gov Soludo
Governor Charles Soludo says the next four years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration will produce a stronger and fairer Nigeria.
Anti-Corruption
Fake Abuja spiritualist sentenced to prison for sextortion
The Federal High Court, Abuja Division, has convicted and sentenced a fake spiritualist, Solomon Odigie Moses, to one year in prison.
Economy
Transport fares to decrease nationwide from October 1, says presidency
The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV) says transportation fares are expected to decrease nationwide from October 1.
Economy
Abia govt seeks input on 2027 budget proposalÂ
The Abia government has commenced consultations with citizens and stakeholders to identify priority areas for inclusion in the state’s 2027 budget.
NationWide
13 hostages rescued during counter-terrorism operations: Military
The Nigerian Army says troops have rescued 13 hostages, intercepted 300 rounds of ammunition and killed a suspected kidnapper in separate operations nationwide.
Showbiz
Edo Carnival targets 100,000 people, ₦1 billion economic impact
Edo’s finance commissioner, Emmanuel Okoebor, says the Edo Carnival 2026 is targeting close to 100,000 participants and more than ₦1 billion in economic activity.
