TikTok is investigated in the United Kingdom for its management of minors' data

Update: the Tik Tok agency in Spain contacted us to send us their official statement on the matter:

From TikTok we want to express our commitment to the security and privacy of our community of users.

Tik Tok, formerly known as Musical.ly, has been placed in the crosshairs of the UK authorities due to its management of the data of minors who use its services.It is not the first time that Tik Tok has had to face this problem, since in February it was fined by the Federal Trade Commission with 5.7 million dollars for "violating the privacy of minors." This is particularly serious in the case of Tik Tok since the application is very popular among the youngest. As a result of this fine, and according to The Guardian newspaper, the Information Commissioner of the United Kingdom Elizabeth Denham informed the parliamentary committee of similar actions in British territory.

Tik Tok under the spotlight for the management of minors' data

Denham has reported that her commission is investigating how Tik Tok handles all the information it has on its underage users, as well as specific functions such as private messaging that the tool includes. Thanks to this function, adult users can communicate with children without any obstacles, thus it becomes a potential danger for their safety.Elizabeth Denham has stated:

“We are looking at (Tik Tok's) transparency tools for kids. We are keeping an eye on the messaging system, which is completely open; we are seeing the type of videos that are collected and shared by children online. We have an active investigation on TikTok right now, so please watch this space.”

Among the different elements that make up the investigation, it will also be examined whether Tik Tok violates the General Data Protection Regulation Said Regulation stipulates that Companies must establish special protections for users who are minors and are offered services other than those for adults.

This is not the first time it has happened

The investigation to which we referred at the beginning of the article, organized by the Federal Trade Commission of the United States, is not new, but began when Tik Tok was called Musical.ly. That investigation found that violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act by not requiring parental consent before collecting usernames, personal addresses email and any other type of personal information of children under 13 years of age. Thanks to this ruling, an age limit was applied to the application for the user to be able to record videos and upload them, finding said limit, precisely, at 13 years.

ByteDance, Chinese owner of Tik Tok, has also wanted to contribute her grain of sand to the controversy. She has told The Guardian that 'we work closely with the UK Information Commissioner's Office to provide relevant information on the app. For Tik Tok, the use of minors' data is a priority and it will continue to be so.’

It is also the task of parents to educate their children in a responsible use of social networks, conscientiously reading their conditions . The use of technology is increasingly present at younger ages and must be taken into account in the educational program of parents.

Via | TechCrunch