TikTok fined $370M over child privacy breach.
TikTok Slapped with $370 Million Fine by EU for Mishandling Children’s Privacy Data
In a major blow to TikTok, the European Union has imposed a staggering $370 million fine on the popular social media app for its mishandling of children’s privacy data. The ruling, issued by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission on behalf of the EU, highlights TikTok’s failure to adequately protect the privacy of users aged 17 and younger and its lack of transparency in data handling, as reported by The New York Times.
According to the investigation conducted by the Data Protection Commissioner for Ireland, Helen Dixon, TikTok automatically made the accounts of users aged 13-17 public upon registration, a clear violation of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) privacy law, as stated in a report by BBC News.
“TikTok’s Design Infringed GDPR Requirements,” Says Data Protection Commissioner
Helen Dixon emphasized that TikTok’s platform design was responsible for the privacy breach, stating, “That is precisely at the hands of TikTok because of the way they designed the platform, and we say that infringed the data protection by design and by the default requirements of the GDPR.”
TikTok, however, defended itself by claiming that the regulators focused on features that had been changed prior to the investigation. The social media giant’s spokesperson argued that the criticisms were centered around settings and features from three years ago, which had already been modified, such as setting all accounts of users under 16 to private by default.
This hefty fine is not the first penalty TikTok has faced for its handling of children’s privacy. Previously, in 2019, when the platform was known as Musical.ly, it agreed to a $5.7 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission for violating U.S. rules on data protection for children. Earlier this year, TikTok was also fined $15.8 million by British regulators for allowing children under 13 to sign up, according to The New York Times.
TikTok’s privacy settings have drawn widespread criticism from government officials in the U.S. and around the world. More than two-thirds of U.S. states have banned the app from government devices, and India has completely banned it since 2020. Other countries, including the U.K., Canada, Australia, France, and New Zealand, have also prohibited the use of TikTok on government devices.
Some U.S. lawmakers are even advocating for a complete ban on TikTok from app stores, citing concerns about China’s influence and the potential misuse of user data in geopolitical conflicts. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) warned, “China’s totalitarian regime hates the United States and is bent on displacing us as the world’s greatest power. If TikTok users believe their sensitive data are safe in Beijing’s hands, they need to think again,” as reported by The Daily Wire.
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How does the EU’s decision to fine TikTok serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding children’s privacy in the digital age
Son, Theo Bertram, argued that the findings do not reflect the current state of TikTok’s platform and that the company has made significant updates to improve privacy safeguards since the investigation took place. He also stated that TikTok aims to be a safe and responsible platform, and is committed to maintaining transparency with users and regulators.
This is not the first time TikTok has faced scrutiny regarding user privacy. In February 2019, the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) imposed a $5.7 million fine on the app for illegally collecting personal information from children under the age of 13. The recent EU ruling is seen as a continuation of efforts to hold the platform accountable for its data handling practices.
The fine imposed by the EU on TikTok is one of the largest penalties ever handed out under GDPR, highlighting the severity of the violation. It serves as a warning to other tech companies that the EU takes data privacy seriously and will not hesitate to take strong action against those who fail to comply with regulations.
In addition to the financial penalty, the EU ruling also requires TikTok to implement measures to protect the privacy of young users. This includes strengthening parental controls, providing clearer information to users about data collection and processing, and establishing systems for age verification. TikTok has agreed to the requirements and is working on implementing the necessary changes to comply with the ruling.
The EU’s decision to fine TikTok serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding children’s privacy in the digital age. With the increasing use of social media platforms by young users, it is crucial for companies to prioritize privacy and take appropriate measures to protect user data. As TikTok takes steps to address the privacy concerns raised by the EU, it is hoped that other social media platforms will also review and enhance their data protection practices.
In conclusion, TikTok’s mishandling of children’s privacy data has resulted in a significant financial penalty from the EU. The ruling emphasizes the need for tech companies to prioritize user privacy and comply with data protection regulations. As users and regulators demand greater transparency and accountability, it is essential for companies to continually review and strengthen their data handling practices to protect the privacy of their users.
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