The Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) in Ireland has launched two inquiries into the famous video sharing and social media platform TikTok after allegations about the use of children’s personal data and transferring data to China. The Chinese owned social media giant is in spotlight due to various accusations including lack of child safety and data leaking in recent months.
TikTok faces allegations that they process data of minors (below 18 years) in the context of platform settings and also ask for age verification documents to people below 13 years. It is also alleged that these policies do not comply with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Another inquiry will examine whether the company has breached the GDPR conditions by transferring the data to China, where TikTok was founded.
With the move DPC is giving a strong message that the social media platforms will be monitored closely and will be prosecuted without exemption for data breach. Earlier this month the DPC had fined WhatsApp a mammoth €225 million for sharing data with Facebook.