TikTok is facing another threat to its operations in the US with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), particularly as the regulatory body is close to finishing its years-long investigation behind the company.
It centers on TikTok's alleged user privacy and security violations in handling said data, one that may result in a court battle or a massive fine.
Massive scrutiny is now faced by TikTok, including the ramping House bill which was approved on the floor vote, one that could effectively ban its operations in the country.
TikTok to Face New FTC Lawsuit for User Privacy, Security
After a multiyear investigation by the FTC, TikTok may face another lawsuit that centers on user privacy and security amidst the massive challenges it faces now with the US House, Politico reported. It was said that this investigation by the FTC focused on the security issues found on the app, also including children's user data and safety on the platform.
It is not yet clear if the FTC would push for a lawsuit against TikTok, among other impositions like fines, but the social media is already facing significant hurdles in its US operations amidst the Congress' probe.
This possibility of a new issue or lawsuit has the FTC looking more into TikTok's operations, including the alleged violation of the platform in its 2019 settlement terms, also about data privacy.
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TikTok App's Children, User Data Privacy
According to Politico, the FTC is looking into TikTok's violation of the COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act), alongside the controversial Chinese access to US user data on the platform.
This multiyear investigation by the FTC will soon wrap up, and it may pursue litigious actions against TikTok while it is fighting for its continued operations in the country and not have ByteDance divest the app.
TikTok's Many Scrutinites Now
Around two weeks ago, TikTok faced a significant roadblock to its continued US operations as the House voted in favor of passing the bill that could get it banned in the country. Also known as the RESTRICT Act, this new bill may soon identify TikTok as a foreign entity and require it to divest its operations and cut its ties with ByteDance in 180 days.
However, that is not all of the scrutiny TikTok is facing now, especially as the platform also faced massive inquiries and investigations behind social media safety for kids.
Apart from that, TikTok is also known for its user privacy risks in general, with the platform allegedly using massive information for its algorithm and ads, with fears of Chinese access to US data.
In some of the cases, particularly with the child user data privacy complaint against them, the company settled millions and promised to change its ways. However, the FTC may not yet be satisfied with TikTok's claimed changes on the platform that prioritizes users' and children's safety, soon to face another lawsuit from the FTC regarding privacy and security concerns.
