TikTok is facing increased scrutiny in Canada after a government investigation uncovered that the platform gathered sensitive personal information from children, even though there are strict age restrictions and promised privacy protections in place.
A recent investigation by federal and provincial privacy regulators investigated whether TikTok is following Canadian privacy laws, particularly when it comes to kids. They discovered that each year, hundreds of thousands of Canadian children under 13 are managing to access the platform, even though TikTok clearly prohibits them from setting up accounts. In Quebec, the minimum age is 14, but the investigators noted that this rule is often ignored.
Authorities have raised concerns that TikTok has been collecting a wide array of data from users who are underage. This includes sensitive biometric information like facial recognition patterns and voiceprints, along with geolocation data, device specifics such as IP addresses, and insights into user behavior based on what content they view, how long they spend on the app, and how they interact with posts. Investigators have determined that this level of data collection far exceeds what could be considered reasonable for a social media platform aimed at children.
The report raised some serious concerns about profiling. It pointed out that data gathered from young users was being used to create personalized feeds and, in some instances, to serve targeted ads. Regulators cautioned that these practices could expose minors to manipulative tactics and potentially harmful content, all while compromising their ability to provide informed consent.
One of the key takeaways was the noticeable lack of transparency. Privacy policies were often seen as vague and hard to decipher, with important information hidden away in lengthy documents. As a result, both children and parents frequently found themselves in the dark about how their data was collected and utilized. In Quebec, investigators pointed out shortcomings in French-language privacy disclosures, which raised concerns about accessibility and fairness.
TikTok has decided to take some important steps to improve things. The company has committed to enhancing its age-verification systems, making sure that advertisers can’t target users under 18 with specific interest categories, and clarifying its privacy communications. Plus, future updates will guarantee that information is readily available in both English and French.
Regulators have recognized TikTok’s commitments, but they made it clear that the issue is only partially resolved. Continuous monitoring will be key to seeing if the company follows through on its promises. This case adds to the growing global conversation about how social media platforms manage children’s data, highlighting the urgent need for stronger protections in our digital age.
