Social media platform TikTok is to pay a £12.7 million fine from the UK data watchdog after dropping an appeal.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) imposed the fine in 2023 because TikTok “did not do enough” to make sure underage children were not using its platform and ensure that their data was used correctly.
Millions of underage users
The regulator had estimated that up to 1.75 million UK children under 13 used TikTok in 2020 despite it being against the company’s rules for children that age to create an account.
TikTok originally appealed against the fine but has now dropped this, the ICO said, meaning the penalty must be paid.
Regulator welcomes withdrawal
Emily Keaney, ICO deputy commissioner, said: “How companies design online services and use children’s personal information has a significant impact on young people’s experience in the digital world.
“Our successful action against TikTok shows how important it is for companies to have the right protections in place, including to prevent access by children who are not old enough to be using their services.
“We have always been clear that this processing was not for the special purposes, and following the Upper Tribunal’s decision, we welcome TikTok’s withdrawal of its appeals.”
TikTok has been contacted for comment.
