ByteDance’s hit video app TikTok faces UK investigation into children’s data privacy, in latest regulatory hurdle

The popular short video app TikTok, operated by the world’s most valuable start-up ByteDance, is under investigation in Britain over its handling of children’s data privacy, marking the latest regulatory hurdle for the company amid its rapid overseas expansion.

The UK regulator is investigating the app’s open messaging system, which allows adults to contact children, and how private information from minors is collected and stored, Elizabeth Denham, head of the UK Information Commissioner’s Office, said in a parliamentary committee hearing earlier this week.

“We are looking at the transparency tools for children,” said Denham. “We’re looking at the messaging system, which is completely open, we’re looking at the kind of videos that are collected and shared by children online. So we do have an active investigation into TikTok right now, so you can watch that space.”

Denham said the agency is investigating whether TikTok violated the EU’s data privacy law, called GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), which requires companies to provide specific protections related to children’s personal data.

“We are committed to protecting the safety and privacy of our user community,” said a TikTok spokeswoman on Friday. “We will cooperate with regulatory authorities to provide relevant information in response to their inquiries.”