TikTok Faces Suspension in Europe as US Cracks Down on Chinese Company’s Influence

The European Commission has forced TikTok to suspend its Lite app, which allowed users to earn money by watching videos and recommending others. This was due to concerns about minors accessing the app and its addictive nature. The suspension is currently in effect for 60 days and could be extended as discussions with the Commission continue.

TikTok voluntarily decided to suspend the app in response to these concerns, describing it as a voluntary decision. The Lite app was only available in Spain and France and offered rewards for logging in daily, watching videos, and referring others to the app. These rewards could be exchanged for cash or gift vouchers. However, the Commission raised issues with the addictive nature of the platform and the lack of effective age verification mechanisms. Users were required to provide bank card, video identification or an identity document to access the rewards program.

While TikTok is facing challenges in suspending its Lite app in Europe, it is also facing difficulties in the United States. President Biden signed a law giving Chinese company ByteDance, which owns TikTok, nine months to sell the app or face a ban in the country. The main fears in the US are related to potential influence by the Chinese government and data privacy concerns. Despite these challenges, TikTok remains committed to expanding its audience and providing a platform for creators.