Brazil takes major action against TikTok owner ByteDance over teen data

Brazil has reportedly fined TikTok owner ByteDance for alleged unlawful processing of teenagers’ personal data, highlighting growing concerns over how social media platforms process children’s information, according to a decision published in the official gazette today.

The data protection authority (ANPD) said that the local unit of China’s ByteDance had handled personal data of teenagers aged 13 to 18 without a legal justification.

Given the recent incident, Brazilian authorities are tightening digital safety checks for children and teenagers as part of an international trend observed across countries including Australia, France and China imposing tightened age-verification regulations.

The current decision stated that ByteDance must delete the personal data of undocumented minors without counsel if it is not regularized within two business days and notify third parties with sharing the data.

The company faces a major recurring daily fine of 137,081.49 for non-compliance with reporting or notification requirements.

According to the ANPD, the total fines could be lowered by 25% if ByteDance renounces its right to appeal within 10 business days and pays the penalty within 20 business days and submits a technical report demonstrating compliance before the initial deadline expired.