UK DPA Fines TikTok €14.5 Million for Failing to Protect Children's Data
The UK's ICO fines TikTok €14.5 million for breaching GDPR rules on safeguarding children's data. Learn about the violations, implications, and lessons from this case.
The UK's data protection watchdog, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), has fined TikTok EUR 14.5 million (GBP 12.7 million) for failing to comply with data protection principles under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The GDPR is a comprehensive set of data protection laws that applies to all organizations that process the personal data of individuals in the European Union (EU). The GDPR sets out a number of data processing principles that organizations must comply with, including the principle of lawful, fair, and transparent processing. This principle requires organizations to obtain consent from individuals before collecting and processing their personal data, unless there is another legal basis for processing the data.
The GDPR also sets out specific requirements for organizations that process the personal data of children under the age of 13. These requirements include obtaining parental consent before collecting and processing children's data, and providing clear and transparent information to children about how their data is being collected and used.
What was the violation?
In the case of TikTok, the ICO found that the company had allowed children under the age of 13 to create accounts on its platform, in violation of the GDPR's requirement that organizations obtain parental consent before collecting and processing the personal data of children under 13.
The ICO also found that TikTok had not taken adequate measures to prevent children from accessing its platform, and that it had not provided clear and transparent information to children about how their data was being collected and used.
What was the decision?
Based on the violations, the ICO fined TikTok EUR 14.5 million, or GBP 12.7 million. The final fine imposed on TikTok is significantly lower than the original fine of GBP 27 million, since the ICO did not pursue the provisional finding on unlawful use of special category data. This fine is a reminder to all organizations that they must take data protection seriously, especially when it comes to children's data.
How could the fine have been avoided?
There are a number of steps that TikTok could have taken to avoid the fine. These include:
- Implementing stricter age verification measures to prevent children under the age of 13 from creating accounts.
- Providing more clear and transparent information to children about how their data is being collected and used.
- Obtaining parental consent before collecting and processing the personal data of children under the age of 13.
By taking these steps, TikTok could have ensured that it was complying with the GDPR and avoiding the fine.
What are the implications of the fine?
The fine imposed on TikTok is significant for a number of reasons. First, it is the third-largest fine ever imposed by the ICO under the GDPR. Second, it is a warning to other tech companies that they must take data protection seriously, especially when it comes to children's data. Third, the fine could damage TikTok's reputation and make it more difficult for the company to attract users and advertisers.
The fine is also a reminder that the GDPR is a powerful tool that can be used to protect the privacy of individuals. Organizations that fail to comply with the GDPR can face significant fines, and they can also damage their reputation and lose the trust of their users.
What can we learn from this case?
There are a number of lessons that we can learn from this case. First, it is important for organizations to have a clear understanding of the GDPR and the requirements that it imposes. Second, organizations need to take steps to ensure that they are compliant with the GDPR, especially when it comes to children's data. Third, organizations should be prepared to face the consequences if they fail to comply with the GDPR.
The GDPR is a complex piece of legislation, but it is important for organizations to understand and comply with it. By doing so, they can protect the privacy of individuals and avoid the risk of significant fines.
Get Started For Free with the
#1 Cookie Consent Platform.
No credit card required

Influencer Data Dark Patterns: Manipulation in the Creator Economy
Are you aware of how your data might be manipulated when engaging with influencer content? Understanding these tactics is essential for maintaining your digital autonomy in today's creator-driven media landscape.
- Legal & News
- Data Protection
- GDPR

Mental Health App Data Privacy: HIPAA-GDPR Hybrid Compliance
How can mental health app developers navigate a complex regulatory landscape while delivering effective, privacy-respecting support to users? This deep dive explores the technical, legal, and operational strategies for achieving dual compliance.
- Legal & News
- Data Protection
- GDPR

The Final Frontier: GDPR and CCPA/CPRA Compliance in Space Tourism Consent
As companies prepare for routine civilian spaceflights, they must reconcile the physical risks of space travel with the digital risks of processing highly sensitive biometric, health, and behavioral data under conflicting jurisdictional requirements. How can space tourism operators satisfy these divergent requirements while delivering transformative experiences beyond Earth's atmosphere?
- Legal & News