Justice Department sues TikTok and parent company over children’s online privacy violations

The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against TikTok and its Chinese-owned parent company, alleging that the popular social media app violates children’s online privacy laws. The department claims that TikTok engages in “massive-scale invasions of children’s privacy” by collecting data from kids who can create accounts without parental consent.

In response to the allegations, a TikTok spokesperson stated that they disagree with the claims and have taken steps to address past events and practices that are factually inaccurate. The company asserts that it offers age-appropriate experiences with stringent safeguards and removes users suspected to be underage.

This legal action comes after the Federal Trade Commission referred a complaint against TikTok to the Justice Department in June over potential violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The FTC found reason to believe that TikTok has violated or will soon violate COPPA, which prohibits website operators from collecting personal information from children under 13 without parental consent.

TikTok has faced scrutiny for its handling of children’s data privacy in the past, including a $368 million fine from European regulators last year. The company has also been questioned in Congress over its impact on children’s mental health and addiction.

As the legal battle unfolds, TikTok continues to defend its efforts to protect children and improve the platform. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.