TikTok Fined for COPPA
TikTok slapped with $5.4 million fine over cookie opt-out feature
TikTok, the popular social media platform, was recently slapped with a $5.4 million fine by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over its cookie opt-out feature. The issue at hand centers around TikTok’s failure to properly inform users about the use of cookies on the platform and its failure to give them the option to opt out of cookie tracking.
Cookies are small text files that are stored on a user’s device when they visit a website. They are used to track user activity and preferences, and can be used to personalize the user’s experience on the website. However, they can also be used to collect personal data and track user behavior for targeted advertising.
The FTC found that TikTok failed to properly inform users about the use of cookies on the platform and did not give them the option to opt out of cookie tracking. This is a violation of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which requires websites to obtain parental consent before collecting personal information from children under the age of 13.
TikTok has since made changes to its platform to comply with COPPA and has agreed to pay the $5.4 million fine. The company has also agreed to implement a comprehensive data management program to ensure compliance with COPPA in the future.
The FTC’s action against TikTok is a reminder of the importance of protecting user privacy online. Social media platforms have access to a tremendous amount of personal data, and it is crucial that they are transparent about their data collection practices and give users the option to opt out of tracking. Additionally, it is important for users to be aware of the types of data that are being collected and how it is being used.
It is also a warning for other social media platform to be more transparent and provide more control to users over their data as failure to do so may lead to similar consequences . It also highlights the importance of compliance with regulations like COPPA and the need for companies to take a proactive approach to ensuring compliance in order to avoid costly fines and legal repercussions.
In summary, the TikTok $5.4 million fine serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting user privacy and the need for companies to be transparent about their data collection practices. It also highlights the importance of compliance with regulations like COPPA and the need for companies to take a proactive approach to ensuring compliance in order to avoid costly fines and legal repercussions.
