Media watchdog to inspect TikTok over cash reward program

The Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC) has announced that it will conduct an inspection of TikTok's local office in South Korea later this month. The primary focus of the investigation is the platform's cash reward program for content creators. This move comes as there are growing concerns that the cash incentives may encourage underage users to become addicted to the videos on the platform.

In April, TikTok's parent company ByteDance announced that it would increase cash incentives for creators aged over 19 in order to promote the production of high-quality content in the Korean language. Now, the KMCC plans to scrutinize whether the company is effectively implementing measures to safeguard minors from accessing the program. These measures include the platform's age verification system and the management of individual accounts.

The regulatory body stated that they intend to verify the facts surrounding minors' usage of the cash reward program and evaluate the appropriateness of the youth protection measures being put in place.