New Delhi: The U.S. government has escalated its crackdown on TikTok, filing a lawsuit against the popular video-sharing app and its parent company, ByteDance, for allegedly violating children’s privacy.
The Department of Justice, in collaboration with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), accused TikTok of “massive-scale invasions of children’s privacy” by collecting personal information from users under the age of 13 without parental consent.
The lawsuit, filed on Friday, alleges that TikTok knowingly allowed millions of American children to create accounts and share content on the platform, despite regulations under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) that require parental consent for such activities.
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TikTok Faces Potential Billions in Fines
The FTC is seeking hefty penalties from TikTok, with potential fines of up to $51,744 per violation per day. This could translate to billions of dollars if TikTok is found liable for the alleged privacy breaches. The lawsuit comes amid growing concerns about TikTok’s data practices and its ties to the Chinese government.
TikTok, which boasts over 170 million U.S. users, has faced increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators. A new law is currently under consideration that could force ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. assets by January 19, 2025, or face a ban.
TikTok Denies Wrongdoing
In response to the lawsuit, TikTok stated that it disagrees with the allegations and has taken steps to protect children’s privacy. The company emphasized its commitment to safeguarding user data and vowed to continue improving its platform.
Implications for TikTok and Child Online Safety
The lawsuit against TikTok highlights the challenges of regulating social media platforms and protecting children in the digital age. As the investigation unfolds, it is likely to have significant implications for TikTok’s future in the U.S. market and could spark broader discussions about online privacy and safety for minors.
