Post Reports cover image

Post Reports

TikTok, Big Tech and where your data is going

Aug 7, 2024
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.
33:41

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode