TikTok to face EU fine over processing of children’s data
The social media giant TikTok has found itself in hot water once again, this time over the handling of children’s data. On Friday, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) ruled that the Chinese-owned platform could face a significant financial penalty. The decision that was triggered by the Irish Data Protection Commission, as TikTok’s legal EU headquarters is nestled in Dublin, putting it under the Irish regulator’s jurisdiction.
The penalty is part of an investigation that was launched back in 2021, looking into whether TikTok had violated the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The main concern was whether TikTok had robust enough age verification processes to safeguard the privacy of children aged between 13 and 17. TikTok’s transparency on how it processes children’s data is also under investigation.
The final decision regarding the penalty to be issued by the Irish Data Protection Commission is expected to be announced next month. While the size of the fine is still unknown, it underscores the increasing scrutiny on tech companies and their handling of user data. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, reported revenues of $80 billion in 2022, proving that the stakes are high.
Earlier this year, TikTok was fined £12.7 (€14.7) million by the UK data watchdog for illegal processing of children’s data.
Source: TikTok to face EU fine over processing of children’s data | Euronews
