TikTok’s popular video-sharing app has landed itself in hot water again with US regulators. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently referred a complaint against TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, to the Department of Justice. The accusation? Violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a law designed to safeguard the privacy of children under 13.
This isn’t the first time TikTok has faced scrutiny over child privacy. In 2019, the FTC fined Musical.ly, TikTok’s predecessor, $5.7 million for illegally collecting data from children. Back then, TikTok pledged to comply with COPPA regulations. However, the FTC’s recent referral suggests these assurances may have been hollow.
The FTC has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the alleged violations. However, the referral likely stems from a follow-up investigation to ensure TikTok’s adherence to the 2019 settlement. The FTC chair, Lina Khan, expressed concerns that TikTok “is violating or about to violate” COPPA and potentially other federal laws.
The nature of the alleged violations can only be speculated upon for now. COPPA mandates that platforms obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children under 13. This could include usernames, location data, or even browsing habits. If TikTok fails to obtain such consent, children could be at risk.
Children are particularly vulnerable online. They might be less discerning about what information they share and more susceptible to targeted advertising or online predators. COPPA mitigates these risks by giving parents control over their children’s online footprint.
This isn’t just about protecting children’s privacy. There are also commercial considerations. COPPA violations can result in hefty fines, as TikTok, with its 2019 settlement, well knows. Additionally, they could erode trust with users and potentially lead to stricter regulations for social media platforms.
The FTC’s decision to make the referral public is also noteworthy. Typically, such actions occur behind closed doors. This public announcement suggests the seriousness of the situation and a desire to heighten public awareness about child privacy concerns online.
The future of TikTok remains to be determined. The company is facing a potential legal battle on two fronts. This child privacy case adds to its ongoing struggle with the US government over national security concerns, with some arguing for a forced sale of the US arm of TikTok.
While we await the specifics of the FTC’s complaint, this episode is a stark reminder of the importance of online privacy, especially for children. It also highlights the ongoing tension between social media platforms, user privacy, and government regulation.
