Security News > 2020 > May > TikTok Violated Children’s Privacy Law, FTC Complaint Says

The complaint alleged that TikTok violated a previous agreement with the FTC, where it had vowed to remove all videos previously uploaded by children under the age of 13 and make stronger efforts to request parental consent when collecting children's personal data.

TikTok's previous agreement came after it was slapped with a $5.7 million FTC fine for violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, which sets privacy rules for operators of websites or online services directed to children under 13 years of age.

In an effort to better protect children's privacy, TikTok had also set up a service for children under 13, TikTok for Younger Users, which prevents them from posting videos.

"We take privacy seriously and are committed to helping ensure that TikTok continues to be a safe and entertaining community for our users," a TikTok spokesperson told Threatpost.

"TikTok's conduct shows that it is continuing to pursue growth at the expense of endangering children. Strong FTC action is needed to protect children from substantial risks to their privacy and wellbeing that come from sharing some of the most personal forms of personal information-their images, their words, and their thoughts without their parents' knowledge and informed consent."

News URL

https://threatpost.com/tiktok-violated-childrens-privacy-law-ftc-complaint-says/155755/