TikTok could face GBP 27 million fine for failing to protect children’s privacy, potential breach of UK law

TikTok May Face GBP 27 Million Fine Over Potential Breach of UK Law, Failure to Protect Children

TikTok could be fined GBP 27 million (roughly Rs. 236 crore) in the UK for possible violations of UK data protection laws for failing to protect children’s privacy while using the video-sharing platform.

The UK Information Commissioner’s Office said on Monday it had issued a legal document to the social media company ahead of potential fines. It said TikTok may have processed the data of children under 13 without proper parental consent and may have processed “special categories of data” without a lawful reason to do so.

The commissioner said the “special categories of data” included racial and ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs and sexual orientation.

It also said that TikTok has failed to provide transparent, easy-to-understand information to its users. The legal document covers the period from May 2018 to July 2020.

Information Commissioner John Edwards said the body’s provisional view was that TikTok had “fallen short” of providing adequate data privacy protections. The body said its findings are not final and it will consider any representations from TikTok before making a final decision.

“While we respect the ICO’s role in protecting privacy in the UK, we disagree with the preliminary views expressed and wish to respond formally to the ICO,” TikTok, which is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, said in a statement.

The UK government is pushing through its online safety bill, which would require tech companies to protect children from harmful content.

The Information Commissioner’s Office said it was investigating six other companies that did not appear to take their responsibility for child safety seriously enough.


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