TikTok fined $15.9 million in UK for abuse of children’s data: NPR
Kiichiro Sato/AP
An independent data regulator in the UK has fined TikTok £12.7 million, or about $15.9 million, for allegedly misusing the data of children under the age of 13. it was announced Tuesday.
The Office of the Information Commissioner said TikTok had not taken enough action to ensure users under the age of 13 were using the app, and that TikTok had used their data without parental consent.
TikTok UK’s terms of service say users must be 13 or older to join the app.
“We monitor usage by minors and we will terminate your account if we reasonably suspect that you are underage,” the terms read.
The ICO said up to 1.4 million children under the age of 13 used the app in 2020, and that between 2018 and 2020, TikTok failed to provide “appropriate information to platform users on how to their data is collected, used and shared in a way that is understandable.
“Without that information,” the ICO continued, “platform users, especially children, find it difficult to make informed choices about whether or not to participate and how to interact with them.” It.”
In the US, the app has come under intense scrutiny over the past few years due to concerns about the Chinese government’s use of the app for spying and its effect on young people’s mental health.
It was banned on devices issued by the federal government of the United States and a ban discussed in Washington.
Canadathe UK, New Zealand And Australia also banned the app from federally issued devices.
Last month, TikTok CEO Shou Chew testifies before Congress last month and said that TikTok does not promote or remove content at the request of Chinese authorities.
The app is “not subject to any manipulation by any government,” he said.
UK Information Commissioner John Edwards said: “TikTok should have known better. “TikTok should have done better. Our £12.7 million fine reflects the serious impact their failures can have.”