Drew Harwell, a technology reporter focused on data privacy, dives into the troubling lawsuit against TikTok for violating child data protections. He outlines the serious implications of how the app handles children’s personal information under COPPA. The conversation expands to discuss the broader issues of data collection across various platforms, revealing how apps often share this data with law enforcement and governments. Additionally, listeners are treated to a heartwarming look at Australian sea lions showcasing their unique foraging behaviors.
TikTok's violations of COPPA highlight significant lapses in data protection for underage users amid broader concerns of data collection practices by tech companies.
The podcast emphasizes the role of data brokers in selling user information to governments, raising pressing ethical questions about privacy and surveillance.
Deep dives
Ease of Account Creation for Minors
Creating a TikTok account for kids is surprisingly easy, as highlighted by concerns from the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. Despite restrictions prohibiting children under 13 from making regular accounts, many circumvent these rules by lying about their age or using third-party services like Google or Instagram for registration. This loophole has reportedly allowed millions of underage children to access the platform, leading to significant data collection practices usually reserved for adult users. As a result, TikTok has been accused of violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which mandates stricter data handling for users under 13.
Failure to Delete Data Upon Request
The Justice Department raised additional concerns about TikTok's handling of requests from parents seeking to delete their children's accounts and associated data. Many parents reported difficulties when attempting to remove their young children's accounts, with claims that TikTok either failed to respond adequately or delayed in processing these requests. This pattern raises questions about whether these issues result from technical glitches or represent a more intentional disregard for compliance with privacy laws. Such negligence suggests TikTok may have systemic issues that warrant closer scrutiny of its data management practices regarding underage users.
Broader Data Privacy Implications
The context of the lawsuit against TikTok extends beyond its practices, raising vital questions about the data privacy landscape as a whole. The app's case reflects broader issues affecting many technologies that collect user data, emphasizing the need for reform in data handling laws. With TikTok's actions viewed as particularly egregious due to its young user base, it highlights that data manipulation can occur at any level and could have larger societal implications. The ongoing legal battles involving TikTok serve as a reminder that there is a pressing need for comprehensive regulations governing data privacy across all platforms.
The Role of Data Brokers and Government Oversight
The podcast discusses the complex ecosystem of data brokers and government usage of personal data collected through various applications. Data brokers purchase, sell, or rent user information from countless apps, often in ways that users are unaware of. This data can then be utilized by government agencies for various purposes, including surveillance and law enforcement, raising ethical concerns about individual privacy rights. The interconnectedness of technology and government oversight in managing personal data underscores the urgent necessity for citizens to be aware of how their data is harvested and potentially exploited.
TikTok, which says it has 170 million U.S. users, made it too easy for children to create accounts and then collected data on those who did — a major violation of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, known as COPPA, the Justice Department alleged in a lawsuit on Friday. But tech companies collecting and selling data from users goes far beyond TikTok — and affects everyone.
Post Reports co-host Martine Powers speaks with technology reporter Drew Harwell about why the Justice Department is suing TikTok for storing the data of millions of children. And she talks with NOTUS investigative reporter Byron Tau, who shares all of the ways that apps gather information on us — and sell that information to law enforcement and governments.
Plus, learn how sea lions are mapping the ocean floor with cameras attached to their backs. Check out the video here.
Today’s show was produced by Emma Talkoff and Trinity Webster-Bass. It was edited by Reena Flores, with help from Arie Plotnick, and mixed by Sean Carter and Rennie Svirnovskiy.