TikTok is facing increased scrutiny from multiple fronts regarding its handling of child safety and data protection. From the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) launching investigations to concerns raised in Australia about social media bans, the popular video-sharing platform is finding itself in the regulatory crosshairs.
UK Investigates Data Practices
The UK's ICO has announced an investigation into TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur, focusing on how these platforms protect children's data. The probe into TikTok specifically examines how the platform uses the personal data of young users (aged 13 to 17) for content recommendations. Reddit and Imgur are under scrutiny for their data practices and age verification measures.
"If social media and video sharing platforms want to benefit from operating in the UK they must comply with data protection law," stated UK Information Commissioner John Edwards. "The responsibility to keep children safe online lies firmly at the door of the companies offering these services and my office is steadfast in its commitment to hold them to account."
This investigation follows a previous fine of £12.7 million ($16.1 million) imposed on TikTok in 2023 for allowing up to 1.4 million children under 13 on the platform in 2020 and using their data without parental consent. The ByteDance-owned company has also faced criticism in the US regarding its young users.
Australia's Social Media Ban Controversy
Meanwhile, in Australia, TikTok, along with Meta and Snap, is protesting the exemption of YouTube from a recently passed social media ban for individuals under 16. The Australian government has deemed YouTube a critical educational tool and is allowing its use, despite an original assumption that the Google-owned platform would be included in the ban.
According to reports, YouTube is the most popular platform with 13 to 15-year-olds in Australia. To use YouTube, those under 16 must be part of a family account that offers parental supervision rights.
TikTok’s director of public policy in Australia and New Zealand, Ella Woods-Joyce, argued that "It is illogical to restrict two platforms while exempting the third. It would be akin to banning the sale of soft drinks to minors but exempting Coca-Cola." Meta echoed these concerns, accusing the Australian government of a lack of transparency.
Deeper Issues at Play?
While these regulatory actions are significant, some argue that focusing solely on TikTok misses a larger point. Concerns have been raised about the potential threat posed by millions of Chinese-made IoT devices, suggesting a broader issue of technology security.
Moreover, recent reports have alleged that TikTok is profiting from livestream sex shows involving children, with some influencers acting as "digital pimps" for exploited teenage girls. These allegations, if true, represent a severe breach of trust and highlight the urgent need for stricter oversight and accountability.
As TikTok continues to navigate these challenges, it remains to be seen how the company will adapt to address the concerns raised by regulators, governments, and advocacy groups. The spotlight is firmly on TikTok to demonstrate its commitment to protecting young users and ensuring a safe online environment.