TikTok has been fined €345 million by the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) for violating a number of EU privacy laws related to the handling of children’s data.
The DPC found that TikTok had failed to obtain parental consent for the processing of children’s data, failed to provide adequate transparency about how children’s data is used, and failed to take appropriate measures to protect children’s data from unauthorized access or use.
The fine is the largest ever imposed by the DPC and one of the largest privacy fines ever issued in the EU.
TikTok has said that it is disappointed with the fine and that it believes that it complied with all applicable privacy laws. However, the company has also said that it will take steps to address the concerns raised by the DPC.
The fine against TikTok is a reminder of the importance of protecting children’s data. It is also a reminder that tech companies must comply with all applicable privacy laws, regardless of where they are headquartered.
The DPC’s investigation into TikTok began in 2020 following a complaint from the Norwegian Consumer Council. The council alleged that TikTok was collecting and using the personal data of children under the age of 13 without parental consent.
The DPC’s investigation found that TikTok was indeed collecting and using the personal data of children under the age of 13 without parental consent. The investigation also found that TikTok was not providing adequate transparency about how children’s data is used and that the company was not taking appropriate measures to protect children’s data from unauthorized access or use.
The DPC has ordered TikTok to take a number of steps to address the concerns raised in the investigation. These steps include:
- Obtaining parental consent for the processing of children’s data
- Providing adequate transparency about how children’s data is used
- Implementing appropriate measures to protect children’s data from unauthorized access or use
TikTok has said that it will comply with the DPC’s orders. The company has also said that it is committed to protecting the privacy of its users, including children.
The fine against TikTok is a significant development in the enforcement of EU privacy laws. It is a reminder that tech companies must take their privacy obligations seriously, especially when it comes to the handling of children’s data.
