Brazil’s data protection regulator has fined ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, 153.8 million reais ($29.81 million) for allegedly processing the personal data of teenagers without a valid legal basis.
The penalty was announced Tuesday in Brazil’s official gazette by the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD).
The regulator said ByteDance’s Brazilian operation had processed data belonging to users between the ages of 13 and 18 in violation of the country’s General Data Protection Law.
ByteDance Brasil had not immediately responded to a request for comment.
The decision comes as Brazilian authorities increase scrutiny of how online platforms protect children and teenagers. Regulators in several other countries, including Australia, France and China, have also moved toward tighter rules governing minors’ use of social media.
Earlier this month, ANPD ordered Discord to suspend livestreaming features amid concerns over children’s and teenagers’ exposure to potentially harmful content.
Under Tuesday’s ruling, ByteDance must delete the personal data of teenagers whose legal representation or assistance has not been properly regularized within 60 business days.
The company must also inform any third parties with whom the data was shared.
After that deadline, ByteDance will have five business days to submit a technical report signed by its data protection officer, together with system audit logs showing that it has complied with the regulator’s requirements.
See also: NITDA Inaugurates Taskforce to Implement Nigeria’s Sovereign Cloud Initiative
The company could face additional daily penalties of 137,081.49 reais if it fails to meet the data-deletion, notification or reporting obligations.
ANPD said the overall fine could be reduced by 25% if ByteDance gives up its right to appeal within 10 business days and pays the penalty within 20 business days.
The case adds to growing regulatory pressure on major social-media platforms over the collection and use of young users’ personal information, particularly as governments seek stronger safeguards for minors online.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
