TikTok fined by UK Regulator for inaccurate parental control data

Ofcom has fined TikTok for failing to provide data on its parental control feature and delays in correcting the error.

TikTok, the popular social media app, has been fined £1.875 million ($2.4 million) by the UK's media regulator, Ofcom, for failing to accurately and promptly respond to a request for information regarding the platform's parental control safety feature.

Ofcom's investigation uncovered several shortcomings in TikTok's data governance process, including insufficient checks that led to inaccurate data submission and delays in notifying Ofcom of the error. The hefty penalty includes a 25% reduction due to TikTok accepting the findings and settling the case.

The regulator sought information from TikTok under the UK's Online Safety Act to assess the effectiveness of its "Family Pairing" parental control feature in protecting teenage users. TikTok initially provided inaccurate data and later admitted the error, but the delay forced Ofcom to remove details on TikTok's parental controls from its report.

"When we demand data, it must be accurate and submitted on time," stated Suzanne Cater, Ofcom's enforcement director. "We won't hesitate to take enforcement action if any company fails to do this."

A TikTok spokesperson apologized for the error and the delay in reporting it, assuring full cooperation with Ofcom's requests and implementation of improvements in their internal processes.

The fine will be transferred to the UK government's treasury department.