European Commission opens proceedings against TikTok under the DSA for TikTok Lite launch
On 22 April 2024, the European Commission initiated a second formal proceedings against TikTok pursuant to the Digital Services Act (DSA). Under the DSA, very large online platforms are required to submit a risk assessment report before launching new features with significant potential systemic risks. The Commission is investigating whether TikTok breached these obligations by launching TikTok Lite in France and Spain without prior diligent assessment of its potential risks, particularly its potentially addictive nature, especially for children due to the lack of effective age verification mechanisms.
The investigation
The absence of age verification methods on Tik Tok are already under investigation in the first formal proceedings against Tik Tok, which were initiated in February 2024. This investigation will scrutinise TikTok's compliance with DSA obligations, including the submission of risk assessment reports and the implementation of risk mitigation measures. Failure to comply with the DSA obligations could result in fines against Tik Tok.
Next steps
The European Commission may impose interim measures, such as suspending TikTok Lite’s rewards programme in the European Union, if deemed necessary. This investigation follows the first formal proceedings against Tik Tok, which were also focussing on various DSA compliance issues.
This development also removes the burden of supervisory duties from Digital Services Coordinators, or any other competent authority of EU Member States regarding suspected DSA infringements. The Commission’s action against TikTok reflects a broader regulatory trend.
The official press release can be found here.
Our previous blog post on the DSA can be found here.
