Ofcom has discovered several shortcomings in TikTok’s data governance processes, including inadequate checks and delays in reporting and rectifying errors. As a result, TikTok has been fined nearly £1.9 million for failing to provide accurate parental control data to Ofcom.
Initially, TikTok provided inaccurate data to the communications regulator and took over three weeks to alert Ofcom after identifying the error. It then took an additional four months to provide accurate but incomplete data, which was more than seven months past the original deadline. These failures forced Ofcom to remove details from its child safety transparency report at the last minute, disrupting its efforts to promote transparency.
Following an investigation into these failings, Ofcom determined that TikTok had not fully cooperated with the regulator’s request for information, contravening its duties under the Communications Act 2003. As a result, TikTok was fined £1.875 million, with a 25 percent discount for accepting the investigation’s findings.
Suzanne Cater, Ofcom’s enforcement director, emphasized the importance of accurate and timely data submission from tech companies. TikTok was required to provide data on the uptake of its parental controls feature “Family Pairing” as part of Ofcom’s assessment of the platform’s safety measures for children.
Despite TikTok’s eventual provision of accurate data, Ofcom’s investigation revealed significant failings in the company’s data governance processes. TikTok lacked sufficient checks, was slow to address errors, and failed to inform Ofcom promptly about inaccuracies. This delay led to the removal of details from the transparency report, disrupting Ofcom’s work.
Ofcom highlighted that TikTok’s failings directly impacted its regulatory work, considering the company’s size and resources. While TikTok acknowledged its error and implemented improvements, it was the first time the company had breached Ofcom’s rules.
In response, a TikTok spokesperson admitted to inadvertently providing inaccurate information and apologized for the disruption caused. The company committed to cooperating fully with Ofcom’s requests and improving internal processes.
Notably, TikTok had previously been fined £12.7 million by the Information Commissioner’s Office for inadequate measures to prevent underage children from using the platform and safeguarding their data.
Overall, Ofcom’s enforcement action against TikTok underscores the importance of regulatory compliance and timely, accurate data submission from tech companies to ensure transparency and safeguard children online. Please rewrite this sentence.
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