TikTok Under Investigation for Child Safety Measures
The UK's online regulator, Ofcom, is investigating TikTok over concerns it has failed to protect children from harmful content. The probe follows a review that criticized the platform's age checks and called for stronger action on children's online safety. Ofcom may fine TikTok up to £18m or 10% of its worldwide revenue if it finds compliance failures.
Key points
- TikTok is under investigation by the UK's online regulator, Ofcom, over concerns it has failed to protect children from harmful content.
- The probe follows a review that criticized the platform's age checks and called for stronger action on children's online safety.
- Ofcom may fine TikTok up to £18m or 10% of its worldwide revenue if it finds compliance failures.
- TikTok requires users to enter a date of birth when creating an account, but uses 'age inference' technology to check for indicators of a child's age.
- Ofcom requires social media platforms to use 'highly effective' methods to check users' ages and prevent children from seeing harmful material.
The UK's online regulator, Ofcom, has launched an investigation into TikTok's child safety measures. The probe follows a review that criticized the platform's age checks and called for stronger action on children's online safety. Ofcom is assessing whether TikTok has failed to comply with requirements outlined in the Online Safety Act 2023, which includes the mitigation and management of risks of harm to children online.
TikTok requires users to enter a date of birth when creating an account, but uses 'age inference' technology to check for indicators of a child's age. This method has been questioned by Ofcom, which has 'serious doubts' over its effectiveness. If Ofcom finds compliance failures, TikTok may face fines of up to £18m or 10% of its worldwide revenue.
The investigation is significant as it highlights the ongoing concerns about child safety on social media platforms. The UK government has recently announced plans to ban under-16s from certain platforms, and Ofcom's investigation into TikTok's age checks is a key part of this effort.
Sources
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