TikTok – Violation Found (Italy, 2021)
General GDPR enforcement action
This case relates to broader data protection obligations, not specifically to cookie or consent banner compliance. It is not included in cookie statistics or the Risk Calculator.
The Italian data protection authority found TikTok's age verification measures insufficient after a tragic incident involving a young user. TikTok was ordered to limit data processing for users whose age couldn't be verified. This case matters because it highlights the need for stronger age checks on social media to protect minors.
What happened
TikTok's age verification was deemed inadequate following a fatal incident involving a young user.
Who was affected
Young TikTok users whose ages could not be reliably verified.
What the authority found
The Italian DPA imposed restrictions on TikTok for failing to ensure users' ages were verified, highlighting the need for better protection of minors.
Why this matters
This ruling stresses the importance of robust age verification on platforms frequented by minors. Social media companies should enhance their systems to prevent underage users from accessing harmful content.
GDPR Articles Cited
A 10 year old person taking part in the “blackout challenge” died. The “blackout challenge” is an internet phenomenon in which participants film themselves in an autoerotic asphyxiation. This practice is one of the most dangerous and extreme practices of BDSM. Becuase of the carotid sinus reflex, cardiac arrest can occur in certain cases. Are the age verification measures used by TikTok sufficient? The Italian DPA imposed an immediate limitation on the processing performed by TikTok with regard to the data of users whose age could not be established with certainty.
Outcome
Violation Found
The DPA found a violation but did not impose a fine.
Related Enforcement Actions (0)
No other enforcement actions found for TikTok in IT
This is the only recorded action for this entity in this jurisdiction.
Details
Decision Date
22 January 2021
Authority
Garante per la protezione dei dati personali
GDPRhub ID
gdprhub-3100About this data
Cite as: Cookie Fines. TikTok - Italy (2021). Retrieved from cookiefines.eu
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