TikTok Faces Hefty Privacy Fine in UK Children’s Data Probe

TikTok faces a possible fine of $29 mn after the UK’s privacy watchdog found the it may have breached data protection rules.

TikTok faces a possible fine of 27 million pounds ($28.9 million) in UK Children’s Data Probe. (REUTERS)

ByteDance Ltd.'s TikTok faces a possible fine of 27 million pounds ($28.9 million) after the UK's privacy watchdog found the company may have breached data protection rules by failing to sufficiently protect children's data.

The Information Commissioner's Office said Monday it issued TikTok with a notice of intent, laying out its plans for a potential fine and its findings. The authority's provisional findings include that TikTok probably failed to get the necessary parental consent from minors that use its platform, and processed some data without legal grounds.

“We will carefully consider any representations from TikTok before taking a final decision,” the ICO said in a statement.

TikTok has faced intense scrutiny in Europe over concerns that children's data isn't safe on the social media platform. A separate probe in Ireland, the EU base of TikTok, which is looking into alleged misuse of child data by the company, is also in the final stages.

“We all want children to be able to learn and experience the digital world, but with proper data privacy protections,” John Edwards, the Information Commissioner, said.

A spokesperson for TikTok didn't immediately respond to an email requesting comment.