A new legal battle has emerged between TikTok and the U.S. government focusing on children’s online privacy. The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, accusing the social media platform of breaching the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
This law, enacted over twenty years ago, mandates that platforms must obtain parental consent before collecting personal data from children under 13. Unlike other social media sites that restrict access to users under 13, TikTok allows children to create accounts with limited functionality and interact with adults, raising concerns about data collection practices.
The Justice Department’s lawsuit highlights TikTok’s alleged failure to secure parental consent before gathering and storing data from young users. Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, emphasized that the lawsuit aims to address these violations and prevent further misuse of children’s private information. This legal action is part of a broader effort to ensure compliance with COPPA and protect young users from unauthorized data collection.
This legal confrontation follows a similar case from 2019 when the FTC sued Musical.ly, TikTok’s predecessor, for COPPA violations. Musical.ly ultimately settled by paying $5.7 million. The FTC’s current Chair, Lina Khan, has criticized TikTok for allegedly continuing to infringe on children’s privacy despite prior enforcement actions. The FTC remains committed to using its regulatory powers to safeguard children online amidst evolving digital surveillance technologies.
TikTok has responded to the lawsuit by disputing the allegations and claiming that many of the concerns pertain to outdated practices or inaccuracies. A TikTok spokesperson defended the platform’s current measures, noting that they have implemented age-appropriate features, including screen time limits and enhanced privacy controls for minors. TikTok maintains that it is dedicated to continuously improving its protections for younger users.
Overall, this legal dispute underscores ongoing tensions between regulatory authorities and social media companies regarding the protection of children’s online privacy. As digital platforms evolve, ensuring compliance with privacy laws like COPPA remains a significant challenge, prompting ongoing scrutiny and enforcement actions aimed at safeguarding young users in the digital age.
