UK Says TikTok Fail to Protect Children's Data Privacy; Information of 13-Year-Old Users Allegedly Processed

U.K. privacy regulators now accuse TikTok of failing to protect children's data privacy.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) announced that the social media platform breached the country's data protection law.

ICO officials added that TikTok breached U.K.'s data protection policy between May 2018 and July 2020.

Because of the latest issue, TikTok is expected to face a fine of more than $29 million (£27 million).

UK Says TikTok Fail to Protect Children's Data Privacy

According to Independent UK's latest report, ICO issued a notice of intent (a legal document that can lead to a fine) against TikTok Information Technologies UK Limited and TikTok Inc.

The U.K. data watchdog said that their investigation shows TikTok procession sensitive information of users under the age of 13.

ICO authorities added that the social media giant conducted this without parental consent from users' parents or guardians.

Aside from this, the Information Commissioner's Office said that TikTok failed to provide the required information to its young users in a transparent, concise way.

As of writing, ICO hasn't finalized its conclusion regarding the alleged data protection law breach.

TikTok, Other Social Media Giants, Must Protect Kids

Via CNBC's report, John Edwards, the U.K. Information Commissioner, said that children must be protected in the digital world.

"We all want children to be able to learn and experience the digital world, but with proper data privacy protections," explained Edwards.

He added that tech firms providing digital services have the responsibility to protect people using their online platforms and other products.

But, John said that TikTok fell short of meeting these requirements.

As of writing, the Information Commissioner's Office is still waiting for TikTok's response. The tech firm only has 30 days to coordinate with the U.K. watchdog.

Previously, we reported that more U.S.-based TikTok users are getting their news from the video platform.

Recently, TikTok's official global launch finally happened.

For more news updates about TikTok and other social media giants, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

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Written by Griffin Davis