TikTok Settles U.S. Child Privacy Case for $400 Million
TikTok Settles U.S. Child Privacy Case for $400 Million
🎉 TikTok will pay $400 million to settle U.S. claims that it violated child privacy laws by collecting data from users under 13. The U.S. Department of Justice announced this significant settlement to resolve a 2024 lawsuit over children’s privacy.
“Today, the Department of Justice announced a $400 million settlement with TikTok, ByteDance, and affiliated entities (TikTok) resolving litigation concerning compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and its implementing regulations (COPPA).” This settlement is one of the largest recoveries ever obtained in a COPPA case.
The 2024 case, brought by the DOJ and FTC, accused TikTok of knowingly allowing children under 13 to create accounts and illegally collecting data from children using Kids Mode. Since the lawsuit was filed, TikTok has made major changes to its ownership, management, compliance, and privacy practices. The company has introduced stronger safeguards for younger users, improved age controls, and expanded parental oversight. The DOJ stated that these measures have advanced the goals of its case and strengthened protections for millions of U.S. families.
“This settlement is a major victory for American children and parents,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. “The Department’s priority is ensuring that children are protected online and that companies entrusted with their personal information meet their legal obligations. This resolution secures a substantial recovery while reinforcing the protections that families expect and deserve.”
TikTok has faced regulatory scrutiny over children’s privacy before. In September 2023, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission fined the company €345 million for breaching the GDPR through its handling of children’s personal data.