TikTok Slapped with Massive Fine for Mishandling Children's Data

TikTok has been fined approximately $370 million by the European Union for inadequate safeguards to protect the personal information of children using the platform. The default settings on TikTok did not adequately protect children's privacy, and the company was not transparent about its data practices for users aged 17 and younger. This is the first fine issued against TikTok by the EU for violating data protection laws. Concerns about TikTok's data collection practices and its impact on young people's mental health have been growing, especially due to its links to China. Regulators are also investigating whether TikTok unlawfully sends user data from the EU to China. In the US, policymakers have been grappling with how to regulate TikTok, with some government agencies banning its use due to concerns about data security.