News
September 24, 2025
TikTok to improve steps to keep children off app, Canadian officials say
TikTok has agreed to improve its measures to keep children off its website and app after a Canadian investigation found its steps to block children and protect personal information were inadequate, Canadian privacy officials said on Tuesday.
**TikTok Enhances Child Safety Measures Following Canadian Investigation**
TikTok will be implementing stronger safeguards to prevent underage users from accessing its platform, according to Canadian privacy officials. This decision comes after a recent investigation revealed shortcomings in the social media giant's existing measures to block children and adequately protect their personal information.
The investigation, conducted by Canadian privacy authorities, pinpointed specific weaknesses in TikTok's age verification and data protection protocols. While the specifics of these weaknesses were not immediately detailed, officials emphasized the importance of robust systems to prevent children from creating accounts and being exposed to potentially harmful content or data collection practices.
The agreement with TikTok marks a significant step towards enhanced online safety for young users. The company has committed to improving its age-detection mechanisms, aiming to more effectively identify and prevent underage individuals from registering on the platform. These enhancements are expected to include more rigorous verification processes and potentially the use of artificial intelligence to detect accounts created with false ages.
Beyond preventing access, the improved measures are also designed to strengthen the protection of personal information belonging to children who may have previously bypassed the existing safeguards. This could involve enhanced data deletion protocols and stricter limitations on the collection and use of children's data.
Canadian privacy officials hailed the agreement as a positive development, emphasizing the importance of holding social media platforms accountable for protecting vulnerable users. They underscored the need for continuous vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard children's online privacy and well-being in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
While details of the specific improvements remain limited, the announcement signals a growing global focus on the responsibility of social media companies to prioritize child safety and data protection. The Canadian investigation and subsequent agreement with TikTok are expected to serve as a precedent for similar efforts in other countries, potentially leading to broader changes in the way social media platforms address the risks associated with underage users. Further information regarding the specific changes and their implementation timeline are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
TikTok will be implementing stronger safeguards to prevent underage users from accessing its platform, according to Canadian privacy officials. This decision comes after a recent investigation revealed shortcomings in the social media giant's existing measures to block children and adequately protect their personal information.
The investigation, conducted by Canadian privacy authorities, pinpointed specific weaknesses in TikTok's age verification and data protection protocols. While the specifics of these weaknesses were not immediately detailed, officials emphasized the importance of robust systems to prevent children from creating accounts and being exposed to potentially harmful content or data collection practices.
The agreement with TikTok marks a significant step towards enhanced online safety for young users. The company has committed to improving its age-detection mechanisms, aiming to more effectively identify and prevent underage individuals from registering on the platform. These enhancements are expected to include more rigorous verification processes and potentially the use of artificial intelligence to detect accounts created with false ages.
Beyond preventing access, the improved measures are also designed to strengthen the protection of personal information belonging to children who may have previously bypassed the existing safeguards. This could involve enhanced data deletion protocols and stricter limitations on the collection and use of children's data.
Canadian privacy officials hailed the agreement as a positive development, emphasizing the importance of holding social media platforms accountable for protecting vulnerable users. They underscored the need for continuous vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard children's online privacy and well-being in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
While details of the specific improvements remain limited, the announcement signals a growing global focus on the responsibility of social media companies to prioritize child safety and data protection. The Canadian investigation and subsequent agreement with TikTok are expected to serve as a precedent for similar efforts in other countries, potentially leading to broader changes in the way social media platforms address the risks associated with underage users. Further information regarding the specific changes and their implementation timeline are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Category:
World