- Due to concerns that TikTok may have collected and processed personal data from users under the age of 13 without obtaining the necessary parental consent, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is conducting an investigation into TikTok’s practices concerning the alleged violation of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection rule.
- In addition to the privacy concerns, the FTC is also probing TikTok for potential breaches of the FTC Act, specifically related to deceptive business practices.
- The FTC probe adds to the mounting challenges faced by TikTok in the US, where legislative Bipartisan efforts are underway to force a sale by its Chinese parent company or potentially ban the app from US app stores.
The Federal Trade Commission(FTC) is investigating TikTok over alleged violations of children’s privacy protection rules and unfair or deceptive business practices, adding to the social media platform’s existing challenges of potential US ban and forced divestment from its Chinese parent company.
FTC investigates TikTok for privacy violations
Due to concerns that TikTok may have collected and processed personal data from users under the age of 13 without obtaining the necessary parental consent, the FTC is conducting an investigation into TikTok’s practices concerning the alleged violation of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection rule.
This rule, enforced by FTC, mandates that companies must notify parents and obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children.
The specific allegations against TikTok suggest that the platform may have failed to adhere to these requirements, raising concerns about the protection of minors’ privacy and the potential impact on their online safety.
As a result, the FTC has initiated an investigation to ascertain whether TikTok indeed violated these privacy protection regulations, reflecting the growing emphasis on safeguarding children’s online privacy and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Also read: Reddit receives FTC inquiry on AI-related deals ahead of IPO
Allegations of deceptive business practices
In addition to the privacy concerns, the FTC is also probing TikTok for potential breaches of the FTC Act, specifically related to deceptive business practices. The investigation revolves around claims that TikTok misled users about the accessibility of their data to individuals in China, adding to the mounting pressure on the social media platform.
Also read: FTC launches strategy to combat $1.1B impersonation scam losses
TikTok’s ongoing challenges in the US
The FTC probe adds to the mounting challenges faced by TikTok in the US, where legislative Bipartisan efforts are underway to force a sale by its Chinese parent company or potentially ban the app from US app stores. The ongoing scrutiny reflects the complex geopolitical and regulatory landscape surrounding the popular short-form video platform.
However, the platform’s ability to navigate these complex issues and address the concerns raised by regulators and lawmakers will play a crucial role in determining its long-term viability and success in the US market.
