FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — TikTok has agreed to withdraw a rewards feature that raised concerns about its potential to encourage excessive screen time, particularly among children, the European Union’s executive commission said Monday.
It was the first resolution of an investigation under the 27-country EU's sweeping Digital Services Act, which went into effect in February and aims to ensure a “safe and accountable online environment” by regulating large digital platforms.
TikTok made the commitment without conceding the feature violated the Digital Services Act, officials said.
The commission has however ruled that the withdrawal is legally binding, which “sends a clear message to the entire social media industry,” said Margrethe Vestager, European commission for digital affairs.
“Design features on platforms with addictive effects put the well-being of their users at risk,” she said in a statement. “That’s why we have made TikTok’s commitments under the DSA legally binding.”
The case involves TikTok Lite, a low-bandwidth version of the app released in Spain and France. It allowed users to earn points for things like following creators, liking content, or inviting friends to join TikTok. The points could be exchanged for Amazon vouchers and gift cards on PayPal. TikTok said rewards were restricted to users 18 years and older, who had to verify their age. Users could watch up to one hour a day of videos to earn rewards, which were capped at the equivalent of one euro ($1.09) a day.
The commission opened an investigation in April due to concerns that TikTok has not done a diligent assessment required under the act of the feature's potential “addictive effect,” especially for children, "given suspected absence of effective age verification mechanisms on TikTok."
The resolution of the TikTok Lite investigation does not affect an earlier probe launched against TikTok focusing on concerns about protection of minors, advertising transparency, data access for researchers, and mitigating risks of “behavioral addiction" and harmful content.
FILE - A TikTok sign is displayed on their building in Culver City, Calif., March 11, 2024. Officials from the European Union's executive commission said Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, that TikTok has agreed to withdraw a rewards feature that raised concerns about its potential to encourage excessive screen time, particularly among children. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
BOSTON (AP) — Jayson Tatum had 35 points and seven rebounds and the Boston Celtics powered past the Philadelphia 76ers 123-105 on Thursday night.
It was Tatum’s 24th game this season with at least 30 points even though he sat out the entire fourth quarter as Boston won for the ninth time in its last 11 games.
Payton Pritchard added 19 points and Derrick White finished with 12 points after having one of his teeth knocked out in the first half when he took an inadvertent elbow. But he returned to start the third quarter.
Kelly Oubre Jr. led the 76ers with 27 points and Lonnie Walker IV added 17.
Both teams were short-handed.
The Celtics played without Jaylen Brown (knee), Jrue Holiday (finger), Al Horford (toe), Kristaps Porzingis (illness) and Sam Hauser (ankle).
The 76ers were missing Joel Embiid (knee), Paul George (left groin), Eric Gordon (wrist), Kyle Lowry (hip), Tyrese Maxey (back) and Jared McCain (knee).
76ers: Oubre tried to carry the scoring load on a night when he was surrounded by reserves. But he didn’t get nearly enough help.
Celtics: As Boston gets over some recent ailments, young players continue to have some promising moments. Neemias Queta was scolded by coach Joe Mazzulla after a first-half stint, but was mostly solid down the stretch, finishing with eight points, nine rebounds and and four assists.
The Celtics led 97-79 heading into the fourth quarter. They then opened the final period on a 10-0 run that included six straight points – and back-to-back dunks – by Queta as Boston’s lead grew to 30.
In the third quarter Tatum was whistled for his 10th technical foul of the season. That leaves him six away from a one-game suspension.
The 76ers host Utah on Sunday night. The Celtics host the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) argues a call during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics, Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Celtics forward Torrey Craig (12) looks to pass while pressured by Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket against the ePhiladelphia 76ers during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla calls to his players during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) battles for a rebound against Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, right, is pressured by Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. on a shot during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) celebrates after a 3-pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket on a dunk against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
