The popular video portal faces a fine of 27 million pounds (around 30 million euros) in Great Britain. The reason is a lack of protection of the privacy of minors, as reported by the British data protection authority Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
According to this, the internet platform continued to process the data of under-13 year olds without consent for over two years. A final decision on the punishment is still pending.
TikTok in duty
“We all want children to be able to experience and learn from the digital world. But this is only possible with sufficient data protection.”
John Edwards, Acting Information Commissioner of the ICO
All companies that offer digital services are required by law to take adequate protective measures.
“Our preliminary assessment is that TikTok has not met these requirements”
John Edwards
He and his authority have often made it clear that it is only possible to better protect children and young people on the Internet if the providers also commit to this goal.
“If necessary, we will enforce this goal through criminal law,” emphasizes Edwards. It is being examined to see how over 50 different online services comply with the special protection rules for children.
“In addition, there are currently six investigations underway into companies that we believe are neglecting their duties when it comes to protecting minors.”
John Edwards, Acting Information Commissioner of the ICO
ICO “Declarations of Intent”
According to the ICO, the authority has sent so-called “ letters of intent ” – legal documents that are a precursor to a potential fine – to TikTok Inc. and TikTok Information Technologies UK Limited.
It explains that the video portal violated applicable British data protection law between May 2018 and July 2020. The data of children under 13 years of age is said to have been processed without their parents' consent. The experts say that the information about this is inadequate and opaque.
TikTok reacts calmly to the threatened fine.
“This letter of intent, which covers the period May 2018 to July 2020, is only provisional and as the ICO itself has confirmed, no final decision can be made at this time.”
TikTok
The work of data protection officers is respected.
“However, we do not agree with the ICO’s view and will respond formally to the authority in due course.”
TikTok
Source :
~ press release
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