'Wren Eleanor' TikTok movement inspires moms on social media to remove photos of kids: 'Sick people'
FOX NewsNov 27, 2022
UK Could Fine TikTok up to $29M over Child Privacy Issues
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Image copyright: Nurphoto/Getty Images [via CNBC]
The Facts
The UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued China-based social media company TikTok a notice of intent - with a potential fine of $29M - regarding a "provisional view that TikTok breached UK data protection law between May 2018 and July 2020."
The ICO alleged that TikTok had processed the data of children under 13 without parental consent, including special category data such as sexual orientation, religious beliefs, political beliefs, and information about ethnic or racial origin.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Though only provisional, this letter of intent is a sign that powerful tech companies can be held accountable through legislative means. With the Children's Code in place now for a year, the UK government has the opportunity to prove its commitment to protecting the safety and privacy of its youth through responsible regulation.
Establishment-critical narrative
This attempt to regulate big tech could end up dying on the vine. Since this "provisional" investigation included no specific accusations, it could lead to nothing. The $29M fine is only what the company could potentially be fined and, after it provides its counter-argument, TikTok may walk away relatively unscathed. There may be very little to see here in the end.
