TikTok Is Under Investigation Over Children's Privacy, Again!

The United Kingdom is examining how TikTok deals with children’s data and if the social video app ensures child safety on its network, according to a report. The investigation is conducted after the company paid $5.7 million to settle the FTC (US Federal Trade Commission) charges accusing it of illegal collection of children’s personal data.

TikTok, used to be known as Musical.ly, lets users record themselves lip-syncing to music videos, they can also share the videos with their friends. The app has crossed the 1 billion mark of downloads on Android and iOS devices. And now, ByteDance, the owner of this musical video platform, is even developing its own phone.

According to the Guardian Tuesday report, information commissioner Elizabeth Denham told a parliament committee that the UK began its investigation this February. Denham said on Tuesday that they were actively investigating TikTok, having their eye on transparency tools for kids, the open messaging system they're using, and the sorts of videos they collect and share on the internet.

In this case with the FTC, the commission accuses operators of TikTok of violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act because it fails to get parents’ permission before it collects personal data on children who are under 13 years old. In addition, the platform did not remove personal info after being complained by children and their parents.

After the $5.7 million payment, the company gave its app online safety videos as well as comment filters.

TikTok did not respond immediately to a request for comments.