DoJ And FTC Sue Tik Tok

The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have filed a lawsuit against the popular video-sharing platform TikTok for "flagrantly violating" children's privacy laws. The lawsuit claims that TikTok knowingly allowed children to create accounts and engage with adults on the platform, collecting and retaining personal information without parental consent, in violation of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

Understanding Children's Privacy Rights

What is COPPA?

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a U.S. federal law designed to protect the privacy of children under the age of 13. Key provisions of COPPA include:

• Parental Consent: Online platforms must obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children under 13.

• Notice to Parents: Companies must provide parents with a clear notice of their information practices.

• Deletion Requests: Parents have the right to request the deletion of their child's personal information.

The Case Against TikTok

Allegations

The lawsuit against TikTok includes several serious allegations:

• Illegal Data Collection: TikTok allegedly collected personal information from children without parental consent.

• Retention of Data: The company retained children's data even when parents requested its deletion.

• Inadequate Age Verification: TikTok's account creation process allowed children to bypass age restrictions, leading to extensive data collection from users under 13.

Violations of Previous Agreements

TikTok's actions also violated a 2019 consent order with the government, which required the company to notify parents before collecting children's data and to delete videos from users under 13 years old.

Impact on Children

The complaint highlighted that millions of children under 13 were subjected to extensive data collection, enabling targeted advertising and exposing them to adult content and interactions with adults.

Who Is at Risk?

Children Under 13

Children under 13 are at the highest risk as they may unknowingly share personal information on platforms like TikTok without understanding the implications. The collected data can be used for targeted advertising or other malicious purposes.

Parents

Parents are at risk of having their children’s personal information exposed and misused. They may also face challenges in monitoring and controlling their children's online activities and ensuring their privacy is protected.

Educators and Guardians

Educators and guardians responsible for children's safety must be aware of the risks associated with children's online activities and the platforms they use.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Children

Strengthening Online Safety Measures

1. Supervise Online Activities: Monitor your child's online activities and the platforms they use. Ensure they understand the importance of not sharing personal information online.

2. Use Parental Controls: Enable parental controls on devices and apps to restrict access to inappropriate content and limit data sharing.

3. Educate Children: Teach children about online privacy and the potential dangers of sharing personal information.

Verifying App Permissions and Settings

1. Review App Permissions: Regularly review the permissions requested by apps on your child's device. Limit access to sensitive information.

2. Set Privacy Settings: Configure privacy settings on apps and devices to enhance security. Ensure that location services and data sharing are turned off unless necessary.

3. Use Age-Appropriate Apps: Ensure that the apps your children use are suitable for their age group and comply with privacy regulations.

Staying Informed and Proactive

1. Stay Updated on Privacy Laws: Keep yourself informed about privacy laws like COPPA and the measures platforms are required to take to protect children's privacy.

2. Report Violations: If you discover that an app is violating privacy laws, report it to the relevant authorities.

3. Regularly Review Accounts: Periodically review the accounts and online activities of your children to ensure their information is secure.

Leveraging Tools and Resources

1. Parental Control Software: Use parental control software to monitor and manage your child's online activities.

2. Privacy Education Resources: Utilize resources and educational materials to teach your children about online privacy and safety.

Conclusion

The lawsuit against TikTok underscores the critical importance of protecting children's privacy rights in the digital age. Understanding and adhering to privacy laws like COPPA, educating children about online safety, and actively monitoring their online activities are essential steps in safeguarding their personal information. By taking proactive measures, parents and guardians can help ensure that children navigate the digital world safely and securely.