The programme, which pays users to spend time on the video sharing social media platform, has been described as "toxic and addictive" by commissioner Thierry Breton, and the app has been given until Wednesday (24.04.24) for a defence before a suspension as early as the following day.

Breton wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "We suspect #TikTokLite feature to be toxic and addictive, in particular for children.

"Unless TikTok provides compelling proof of safety —which it failed to do until now—we stand ready to trigger #DSA interim measures including the #suspension of the TikTokLite 'reward programme.' "

The Commission as always opened formal proceedings against the company to determine whether or not it has broken EU law.

Under legislation which was introduced last year, large platforms like TikTok must provide a risk assessment before making big changes to products.

According to the Commission, TikTok failed to submit a risk assesment in time for its Task and Rewards programme, which was launched in France and Spain last week.

The Commission has argued the system risks "serious damage for the mental health of users".

It is a new feature for TikTok Lite, which is a slimmed down edition of the app, using less data and space on people's devices.

Users can earn themselves the equivalent of a few pence each day simply by watching videos and engaging.

Although the Commission has concerns over the risks for users including children, TikTok has argued the rewards are only available to users over the age of 18, with age verification tools in place.

In turn, the Commission has said they suspect "lack of effective age verification mechanisms".