The social media TikTok is facing a legal battle for the way it collects and uses children's personal data.
The case was sent to English court by former childcare commissioner Anne Longfield, on behalf of millions of children in Britain and the European Union who use the popular application.
If the billions in damages claimed by the lawsuit are awarded, then children affected by TikTok action will be entitled to thousands of euros. TikTok, however, replies that the case has no basis, stating that it intends to fight it.
TikTok sued for billions over use of children's data https://t.co/bMmOnUru5d
- BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) April 21, 2021
According to court documents cited by the BBC, TikTok collects children's personal data, including phone numbers, videos, locations, and even biometric data, without adequate warnings or the necessary consent required by law.
And of course without their parents knowing, neither for the collection nor for their use.
"Privacy and security are top priorities for TikTok and we have tough policies, procedures and technologies to protect all our users and especially our teenage users," the social network said.
TikTok has over 800 million users worldwide, and parent company ByteDance made billions last year from advertising spending.
The lawsuit has been filed in the UK on behalf of all children using the medium since May 25, 2018. Longfield told the BBC she turned against TikTok because, at a time when all social media platforms are collecting personal data, TikTok is doing so. too much ".
The case has been taken over by the law firm Scott and Scott. Associate Tom Southwell said TikTok represents "a serious breach of UK and EU law. for data protection ".
In 2019, ByteDance paid a $ 5,7 million fine for misusing children's data.