Brazil fines TikTok US$30mil in ‘powerful signal’ over child safety

Brazil's data protection agency fined TikTok nearly US$30 million for failing to implement adequate child safety measures. This hefty fine serves as a strong signal to other social media companies, according to the agency. Under-16s in Brazil are now required to link their social media accounts to their parents. Fabricio Lopes, an enforcement director with the ANPD, stated that TikTok was not taking the necessary steps to prevent minors from accessing the platform and having their data processed for targeted advertising.

The ANPD has been taking a tough stance on regulating social media, cracking down on disinformation and mandating parental links for users below the age of 16. TikTok has entered a settlement with the US Justice Department for allegedly collecting children's personal data without parental consent. The ANPD has also ordered the popular streaming platform Discord to suspend livestreams and video calls following an incident involving a teenage girl allegedly encouraged to commit suicide.

The agency is expected to launch investigations into the compliance of 22 social media networks and platforms with the recently enacted law to protect children and teens online.