Millions of children’s data might be at risk, according to a recent lawsuit filed by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) against the popular video app TikTok and its parent company ByteDance. The lawsuit alleges that TikTok knowingly violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a law safeguarding children’s online privacy.
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Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
- COPPA Violations: The DOJ claims TikTok allowed children under 13 to create accounts on the regular platform, where they could interact with adults and share personal information.
- Data Collection Concerns: The lawsuit alleges TikTok collected a wide range of data from these children without parental consent. COPPA requires websites targeting children to obtain such consent before collecting personal information.
- Previous Agreement: This isn’t the first time TikTok has faced scrutiny over child privacy. In 2019, the company settled with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for a similar violation and agreed to pay a fine.
The Stakes:
The DOJ seeks penalties and an injunction to prevent further violations. This case raises concerns about the safety of children online and the potential misuse of their data.
TikTok’s Response:
While disagreeing with the allegations, TikTok emphasizes its efforts to protect children. They point to features like age-appropriate modes, content moderation, and parental controls.
Unresolved Issues:
The lawsuit also highlights issues with TikTok’s “kids’ mode.” The DOJ alleges the app still collected user data even in this restricted setting. Additionally, concerns were raised about the effectiveness of TikTok’s processes for handling data deletion requests from parents.
The Broader Context:
This lawsuit comes amidst ongoing tensions between the US and China, with some lawmakers expressing national security concerns regarding TikTok. While separate from the child privacy issue, it adds another layer of complexity to the situation.