TikTok Fails to Protect Children’s Data, Canadian Privacy Watchdog Finds
Ottawa, Canada – A Canadian investigation has found that TikTok’s measures to protect children and safeguard their personal data are inadequate, raising fresh concerns about the popular short-video app’s handling of young users.
According to the findings, hundreds of thousands of Canadian children use TikTok each year, despite the platform stating it is not intended for those under the age of 13. Investigators revealed that the app collected sensitive personal information from a “large number” of children and used it for online marketing and targeted content.
Privacy Commissioner: Data Collection “Vast” and Risky
The investigation was led by Canada’s Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne, alongside privacy protection officials. At a press conference, Mr. Dufresne said TikTok gathers “vast amounts of personal data,” including from children.
“This information is used to personalize ads and content, which can have harmful effects, especially on young people,” he warned.
In response, TikTok has agreed to strengthen safeguards aimed at preventing underage users from accessing the platform and to provide clearer explanations of how personal data is collected and used.
TikTok Responds to Findings
In a statement, a TikTok spokesperson said the company welcomed the review and had worked closely with Canadian officials, adding: “We remain committed to transparency and strong privacy practices. While we disagree with some of the findings, we are implementing additional measures to strengthen our platform for Canadians.”
The company did not specify which parts of the report it disputed.
Global Scrutiny of TikTok Grows
The Canadian probe adds to global scrutiny of TikTok, which has faced mounting criticism over data privacy, child safety, and national security risks tied to its Chinese ownership. Both TikTok and Beijing have repeatedly denied allegations that user data is misused or shared with the Chinese government.
In the United States, President Donald Trump has been in talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping over a potential deal that could see TikTok’s US operations sold to a consortium of American companies.
Meanwhile, in Europe, the European Commission banned staff from using TikTok on work devices in 2023, citing the need to strengthen cybersecurity and protect sensitive information.
What Comes Next
As more governments investigate TikTok’s influence and data practices, pressure continues to mount on the platform to prove it can prioritize child safety and data protection. For Canadian users, the new measures are expected to roll out in the coming months — but watchdogs caution that stronger oversight will be essential to hold TikTok accountable.