TikTok App’s Data Collection Called Into Question in BEUC Complaint

Europe’s consumer watchdogs are sounding the alarm over the TikTok app’s data collection and alleged failure to protect children using the social media platform. 

The European Consumer Organization BEUC said Tuesday that it’s officially filing a complaint with the European Commission and other consumer protection agencies over the issues. 

The complaint joins consumer advocate organizations in 15 European countries asking governments to step up.

“Together with our members – consumer groups from across Europe – we urge authorities to take swift action. They must act now to make sure TikTok is a place where consumers, especially children, can enjoy themselves without being deprived of their rights,” BEUC Director General Monique Goyens said. 

The BEUC says research into the TikTok app has found multiple violations of European Union laws protecting children, specifically when it comes to advertising and inappropriate content. 

Top Class Actions help right consumer wrongs by reporting on complaints filed against companies accused of breaching privacy rights and violating other consumer protection laws. We’ll follow this story and report on notable developments.

Complaint: TikTok App Fails to Protect Children From Potentially Harmful Content

The complaint lists several areas on the app that aren’t in accordance with the law, the BEUC asserts.

First, TikTok’s terms of service are allegedly unfair. The language is unclear and favors TikTok, especially with its right to repurpose and distribute videos published by users. 

Another issue listed in the complaint is TikTok’s use of virtual currency. These terms on these coins are such that TikTok can change the exchange rate at any time.

The BEUC also says TikTok fails to prevent marketing from reaching children. The use of so-called “hashtag challenges,” for example, enables unmoderated content— some of it potentially harmful— to come up in a child’s scroll. 

“TikTok is also potentially failing to conduct due diligence when it comes to protecting children from inappropriate content,” The BEUC said. 

TikTok not only fails to protect children but is also allegedly careless with personal data, especially with its younger users.

There isn’t a clear explanation on how TikTok uses the personal data, according to the BEUC, or even what kinds of data it collects. The BEUC says knowing the particulars about how an app uses private data is essential. 

The complaint finds these practices to be a potential breach of the General Data Protection Regulation and has notified the Data Protection Authorities.

This isn’t the first time TikTok’s collection of children’s data was called into question. A 12-year-old in England filed a legal action against the app claiming the company’s use of children’s data violates privacy law. She’s hoping the case will lead to the implementation of even greater protections for children under 16 in England and elsewhere. 

The BEUC says they’re looking to begin a “comprehensive” investigation into TikTok to make sure the app is in compliance with EU laws. The organization is also asking TikTok to be clearer about data policies and make an effort to better protect children on the app from inappropriate content. 

“We do not want our youngest ones to be exposed to pervasive hidden advertising and unknowingly turned into billboards when they are just trying to have fun,” Goyens said.

Do you or your family use the TikTok app? What do you think of this complaint filed by the BEUC? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. 

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