Privacy watchdogs say TikTok's efforts to protect kids were 'inadequate'

OTTAWA — Federal and provincial privacy authorities say TikTok’s efforts to keep children off the platform and prevent the collection and use of their sensitive personal information were “inadequate.”

The privacy watchdogs released the results of their joint investigation into TikTok today.

They say that while the platform isn’t meant for kids under 13, they found hundreds of thousands of Canadian children use TikTok each year and the company collects and uses their personal information.

The investigation looked into whether TikTok complies with Canadian privacy legislation and whether “valid and meaningful” consent is being obtained, with a focus on how TikTok’s privacy practices apply to children and youths.

The privacy authorities say TikTok has agreed to strengthen its communicatio