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TikTok sued over privacy concerns in UK for using children’s data

TikTok has said it will fight the legal challenge, adding the claims “lack merit”

tiktok-reuters

Popular video and content sharing app TikTok is under scrutiny again over privacy concerns as it faces a lawsuit on its use of children’s data in the UK, with the claim being filed on behalf of millions of kids who have used it in Britain and across Europe.

England’s former children’s commissioner Anne Longfield filed the suit alleging that every child who has used the app since May 2018, regardless of their account status or privacy settings, may have had their personal information collected by the app.

It is claimed that the app uses children’s private information, including phone numbers, location and biometric data, without warning or consent for the benefit of unknown third parties. It is estimated that more than 3.5 million children are affected in the UK alone.

“TikTok is a hugely popular social media platform that has helped children keep in touch with their friends during an incredibly difficult year. However, behind the fun songs, dance challenges and lip-sync trends lies something far more sinister,” Longfield was quoted by media.

TikTok, in response, has said that it would fight the legal challenge, adding that the claims “lack merit”.

“Privacy and safety are top priorities for TikTok and we have robust policies, processes and technologies in place to help protect all users, and our teenage users in particular. We believe the claims lack merit and intend to vigorously defend the action.”

The lawsuit was filed in December, but its details were released only on Wednesday. The case is being represented by law firm Scott and Scott.

Reports said that if the case is successful, affected children could be entitled to thousands of pounds in compensation.

TikTok has more than 800 million users worldwide.

In the US, TikTok’s parent company Bytedance was fined USD 5.7 million in 2019 by the Federal Trade Commission to settle allegations that it illegally collected information from minors. 

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