TikTok will be fined in the European Union (EU). The reason is a breach of children’s data privacy laws, says the European Data Protection Board (EDPB).
The EDPB made a dispute resolution decision. TikTok had legal objections to an earlier ruling in Ireland. Ireland is where TikTok’s European headquarters are located.
The Irish Data Protection Authority (DPA) issued a draft decision. It was for an inquiry into TikTok’s handling of personal data. This data belonged to users below 17 years old.
Also Read: Tesla’s Finance Chief Zachary Kirkhorn Steps Down; Vaibhav Taneja Takes Over
The objections against TikTok include two main issues. First, there was an infringement of data protection by design and default regarding age verification. Second, an infringement of fairness regarding certain design practices. But no consensus was reached on the DPA’s objection.
TikTok processes data across borders. The EDPB intervened based on Article 65 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This article safeguards data protection rights when processing occurs in more than one country. The EDPB will take its legal assessment into account. A final decision against TikTok will be announced soon.
Earlier this year, TikTok faced problems in the US. TikTok’s CEO, Chew Shou Zi, had a five-hour battle with US lawmakers. Chew argued that TikTok doesn’t sell data to the Chinese government. He stressed the steps taken to protect young users and mental health.
In Singapore, tighter controls on social media accounts of children have been introduced. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) issued a new code of practice. Effective from 18 July 2023, the Online Safety Code will protect children from harmful content.
This situation in the EU raises concerns. It shows the increasing focus on children’s online safety. The final decision against TikTok may set a precedent for other tech companies.
This news is based on Marketing Interactive.
