TikTok Proven To Collect Data On Minors In Canadian Investigation

JAKARTA Canadian investigations revealed that TikTok failed to block children's access from its platform. The company is also said to have failed to protect children's personal information or data.

In the results of the investigation, it is known that hundreds of thousands of minors are reported to use TikTok every year. In fact, TikTok provides an age limit for using the platform, which is at least 13 years.

Local regulatory investigations also found that children's personal data was collected and used as an advertising target. According to Canadian Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne's statement, TikTok not only collects children's data, but also user data as a whole.

"This data is used to target content and advertising," Dufresne said, quoted by Reuters on Wednesday, September 24. According to Dufresne, this could have a bad impact, especially on teens. He highlighted how the data affected the content they saw.

Responding to these findings, TikTok agreed to strengthen verification measures on its platform. By strengthening age verification measures, TikTok wants to prevent underage users from accessing its platform.

A number of changes submitted by TikTok have been approved during the investigation. This includes a ban on advertisers targeting users under 18 years of age, except by a general category.

A TikTok spokesperson said the company was pleased with the agreement reached. They are committed to maintaining stronger transparency and privacy practices in the future.