Canadian Regulators Find TikTok’s Child Data Protections Inadequate

Canadian privacy regulators have determined that TikTok fails to adequately prevent children from accessing its platform and improperly collects their personal data for targeted advertising. A joint investigation led by federal Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne found the platform's age verification measures insufficient, despite its terms requiring users to be at least 13 years old.

Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta authorities confirmed ongoing underage usage, with Quebec data showing 40% of children aged six to 17 actively using the platform. Commissioner Dufresne emphasized the risks of TikTok's extensive data collection practices, noting how harvested information influences content and advertising delivery to young users.

The investigation, launched in 2023, reveals systemic issues in TikTok's compliance with Canadian privacy standards. Hundreds of children reportedly remain active on the platform annually, with their data contributing to the algorithm's targeting mechanisms—a practice regulators deem particularly harmful for youth development.