TikTok Faces Complaints In Europe Alleging Failure To Protect Children From Harmful Content, Violation Of Consumer Laws

Tiktok is once again facing growing criticism about its privacy and safety policies after some incidents surfaced. It is facing multiple complaints from EU consumer groups over concerns of violating consumer laws and for failing to protect children from inappropriate content. 

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New Delhi: Popular Chinese short video app TikTok is facing a new crisis situation as the platform is facing multiple complaints from EU consumer groups over concerns of violating consumer laws and for failing to protect children from hidden advertising and inappropriate content. 

Tiktok is once again facing growing criticism about its privacy and safety policies after some incidents surfaced. European consumer group BEUC has pointed out the issues in its complaint. As per a report by Reuters, it includes the app's terms of service.

The complaint stresses over the terms being very vague and favouring TikTok as opposed to the users. The condition over copyright claim has been talked about over the years which TikTok an irrevocable right to use, distribute and reproduce the videos published by users, without monetisation.

The bigger concern though is children and teenage users being exposed to hidden advertising and potentially harmful content on the app.

The processing of users' personal data has also been termed misleading.

Besides BEUC's complaint, consumer organisations in 15 countries have raised an alarm and urged authorities to act.

Concerns In India

The Madras High Court had imposed a temporary ban on Tiktok in 2019 as it found the app hosting content related to child pornography. TikTok had informed the Court that they are using technology to ensure that obscene content is not spread via the app. 

Last year, the Indian government imposed a ban on the app with hundreds of other Chinese apps amid the tense situation persisting with China caused by the clash in Galwan Valley.