World · Sri Lanka Bureau
TikTok agrees $400m settlement over US child privacy violations
The video-sharing platform has consented to pay one of the largest child privacy penalties ever imposed by American regulators. The settlement resolves allegations that TikTok mishandled personal data belonging to young users.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
TikTok has agreed to pay $400 million to settle charges brought by US regulatory authorities over alleged violations of child privacy laws. The settlement represents one of the most substantial penalties ever levied against a social media company for breaches involving minors' personal information.
The fine addresses claims that TikTok collected and retained data from users under the age of 13 without obtaining proper parental consent, in violation of US child protection legislation. Regulators also alleged the platform failed to adequately safeguard sensitive information belonging to younger users and misrepresented its privacy practices to parents and consumers.
Under the settlement terms, TikTok is required to implement comprehensive privacy safeguards and establish stricter protocols for protecting minors' data. The company must also make improvements to its age verification systems and enhance transparency around how it uses information from younger users.
The action underscores intensifying global scrutiny of major technology platforms regarding their handling of children's personal data. Regulators across multiple jurisdictions have increasingly focused on ensuring social media companies comply with child protection requirements and maintain appropriate safety standards for young users.
TikTok has not admitted wrongdoing in connection with the settlement but stated its commitment to prioritising user safety and privacy protections.