Canadian Officials Find TikTok Fails to Adequately Protect Children’s Data

Published: 24 September 2025. The English Chronicle Desk, English Chronicle Online

A recent investigation by Canadian privacy authorities has found that TikTok’s measures to prevent children from using the platform and protect their personal data are insufficient. Despite the company’s policy stating that the app is not intended for users under the age of 13, hundreds of thousands of children in Canada continue to access TikTok each year.

The investigation, conducted by Canada’s privacy commissioner, Philippe Dufresne, along with privacy protection officials, revealed that TikTok collects sensitive personal information from a “large number” of children and uses it for online marketing and content targeting. This practice, the officials warned, could have harmful effects, particularly on younger users who are more vulnerable to manipulative advertising and tailored content.

At a press conference announcing the findings, Commissioner Dufresne emphasized the scale of data collection on the platform, noting that TikTok gathers “vast” amounts of information from its users, including children. He explained that the data is used to shape the videos and advertisements users encounter, a mechanism that can influence the behavior and perceptions of young audiences.

In response to the investigation, TikTok has committed to introducing additional measures aimed at restricting access by children and providing clearer information on how their data may be used. In a statement, a spokesperson for TikTok said the company welcomed the investigation and highlighted that Canadian officials had “agreed to a number of our proposals to further strengthen our platform.” While TikTok disputes some of the investigation’s findings, the spokesperson stressed the company’s ongoing commitment to transparency and privacy practices. The BBC has requested clarification from TikTok regarding which specific findings they contest.

This scrutiny of TikTok is part of a broader global effort by governments to examine the app’s impact on users and address concerns over national security. The Chinese-owned platform has repeatedly denied allegations of mishandling user data. In the United States, discussions have been ongoing between former President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding a potential deal for American companies to take over TikTok’s U.S. operations. Meanwhile, in Europe, the European Commission instructed its staff in 2023 to remove TikTok from phones and corporate devices to safeguard data and enhance cybersecurity.

The Canadian investigation underscores the growing international attention on TikTok’s practices, particularly regarding the safety and privacy of children online. Officials have called for stronger protections and more transparent practices to ensure that the platform does not exploit young users while continuing to provide a popular social media service. As governments around the world continue to weigh regulatory actions, TikTok faces increasing pressure to demonstrate that it can balance its commercial interests with user safety and data protection.

The findings mark another chapter in the ongoing debate over the influence of social media platforms on minors, highlighting the challenges of regulating digital spaces where young people are highly active yet remain highly susceptible to the effects of targeted content and advertising.