Brazil has imposed a $30 million fine on TikTok over its handling of children’s data, in a significant ruling that highlights growing global scrutiny of social media platforms and child privacy.
According to authorities, the penalty was issued after an investigation found that TikTok had failed to adequately protect the personal information of minors using the platform and did not implement sufficient safeguards to prevent underage users from accessing content and features that could compromise their safety. The Brazilian data protection authority said the company had not complied with national regulations that require explicit parental consent and stricter controls for the collection and processing of children’s data.
The case focused on how TikTok manages accounts belonging to children and how it collects, stores, and uses their information for algorithmic recommendations and targeted content. Regulators argued that the platform’s current systems were insufficient to ensure compliance and left children vulnerable to privacy risks.
TikTok, which has faced similar investigations in other countries, has not yet issued a detailed response to the fine, though the company has previously stated that it is committed to improving child safety measures. The fine is one of the largest issued in Brazil under its data protection laws and is seen as a strong signal to tech companies operating in the country that child data protection will be strictly enforced.
