TikTok Faces Record Fine Over Kids’ Data Collection
*In a blockbuster move that keeps regulators on their toes, TikTok — the viral app formerly known as Musical.ly — has agreed to pay a hefty US$5.7 million (≈ S$7.6 million) fine for blown‑off privacy breaches involving its under‑13 users.
Why it Matters
Largest penalty ever under COPPA – the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act that bars apps from gathering personal data from kids without a parent’s say-so.
Over 65 million U.S. accounts were flagged, many belonging to teens that didn’t meet the required age threshold.
The FTC accused TikTok of “flagrantly ignoring the law” — even when it knew kids were lurking in the app’s user base.
The FTC’s Take
“The operators of Musical.ly — now TikTok — knew many children were using the app, yet they failed to seek parental consent before collecting names, emails, and more from users under 13,”— Joe Simons, FTC Chair“This record penalty should be a reminder to all online services and websites that target children”— Rohit Chopra, Rebecca Kelly Slaughter
What TikTok Was Asked to Do
Delete ill‑gained data
Set up a separate ‘kids’ experience with extra privacy controls
Let parents wield new protective tools and let users toggle deeper privacy settings
“It’s our priority to create a safe and welcoming experience for all of our users…including tools for parents to protect their teens,”— TikTok spokesperson
The Big Picture
TikTok, powered by China’s ByteDance, reportedly had 500 million global users last year, eclipsing Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
The app’s 15‑second video format has become the go‑to spot for teens worldwide.
Regulators warn that the app’s growth came at the expense of kids’ safety.
Bottom Line
Where TikTok once championed viral dances, it now faces a stern lesson: grow responsibly and respect COPPA or risk paying a record fine — and losing the trust of the very young audience that keeps it buzzing.
