Ireland to investigate Tik Tok over child, China data concerns

Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) says it will investigate social media platform TikTok over its handling of children’s personal data and the transfer of data to China. 

“The first inquiry will examine TikTok’s compliance with the GDPR’s data protection by design and default requirements as they relate to the processing of personal data in the context of platform settings for users under age 18 and age verification measures for persons under 13,” the DPC said in a statement on Wednesday, referring to General Data Protection Regulation, a 2016 European Union privacy law.

DPC launches two inquiries into TikTok concerning compliance with GDPR requirements relating to the processing of childrens’ personal data and transfers of data to China https://t.co/wxyS4HaSnl pic.twitter.com/rQNUkdmtmz

— Data Protection Commission Ireland (@DPCIreland) September 14, 2021

DPC’s second inquiry will focus on the transfers of TikTok’s personal data to China and the social media platform’s compliance with GDPR requirements on data transfers. 

TikTok said in a statement that it will fully cooperate with the commission investigation, The Associated Press reported.

“The privacy and safety of the TikTok community, particularly our youngest members, is a top priority,” the statement said. “We’ve implemented extensive policies and controls to safeguard user data and rely on approved methods for data being transferred from Europe.”

The Hill has reached out to TikTok for further comment.