The civil lawsuit filed by the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against TikTok on August 2 has brought renewed attention to the popular social media app’s alleged violations of children’s online privacy protections. The lawsuit stems from allegations that TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, have continued to allow children under the age of 13 to create accounts and share content on the platform, while collecting and retaining their personal information without parental consent.
This legal action follows a previous lawsuit against Musical.ly, TikTok’s predecessor, in 2019, which resulted in the company being found in violation of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The Act prohibits website operators from knowingly collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children under 13 without the express consent of their parents. As a result of the previous lawsuit, Musical.ly was required to implement measures to ensure compliance with COPPA.
Despite these previous legal actions, TikTok is now facing accusations that it has failed to adequately address the issue of children’s privacy on its platform. The Justice Department and FTC allege that TikTok has not only continued to allow underage users to create accounts and share content, but has also failed to notify parents or obtain consent before collecting and retaining their personal information. Additionally, the company has been accused of ignoring deletion requests from parents of underage users.
In response to the filing of the civil lawsuit, FTC chair Lina Khan emphasized the importance of protecting children’s privacy online. In a statement issued by the DoJ, Khan stated, “TikTok knowingly and repeatedly violated kids’ privacy, threatening the safety of millions of children across the country. The FTC will continue to use the full scope of its authorities to protect children online — especially as firms deploy increasingly sophisticated digital tools to surveil kids and profit from their data.”
The implications of this lawsuit extend beyond TikTok and ByteDance, raising broader concerns about the protection of children’s privacy in the digital age. As online platforms continue to play an increasingly central role in young people’s lives, it is essential that robust safeguards are in place to protect their personal information from exploitation.
In conclusion, the civil lawsuit filed against TikTok underscores the ongoing challenges of enforcing children’s online privacy protections in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. With the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing prevalence of social media platforms, it is crucial for regulators and companies alike to prioritize the safety and privacy of young users. The outcome of this legal action against TikTok will likely have far-reaching implications for the future of children’s privacy online.