TikTok Appeals Data Transfer Suspension to China After GDPR Fine in Ireland
The Data Protection Commission (DPC) in Ireland has ordered TikTok Technology Ltd to suspend transfers of personal data from the European Economic Area (EEA) to China within six months. This decision followed an investigation into TikTok’s compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The DPC found that TikTok violated GDPR rules concerning data transfers and transparency.
As a result, the DPC imposed fines totaling €530 million on TikTok. Also, the company was ordered to bring its data processing activities into compliance within six months. If TikTok fails to meet these requirements, the suspension of data transfers to China will take effect.
TikTok has responded by seeking a legal challenge in Ireland’s High Court. TikTok requested fast-track admission to the Commercial Court, emphasizing the urgency due to the significant damage the suspension could cause. The company is asking the court to temporarily halt the suspension of data transfers while the case is reviewed.
The DPC acknowledged the volume of documentation involved but did not oppose the application for fast-track court proceedings. Mr. Justice Mark Sanfey indicated there might be no opposition to admitting the case to the Commercial Court, though scheduling a hearing on the suspension stay may face delays due to judicial availability.
