Ofcom Fines TikTok £1.875 Million for Data Breach

Ofcom, the U.K. media regulator, has fined TikTok £1.875 million ($2.4 million) for failing to accurately and promptly respond to a request regarding its parental controls aimed at protecting children from harmful content. The investigation revealed several shortcomings in TikTok's data governance, including insufficient checks that led to inaccurate data submissions and delays in notifying Ofcom about the errors. TikTok initially responded to the request on September 4, 2023, but later admitted to inaccuracies on December 1, prompting Ofcom to launch a formal investigation. The penalty was reduced by 25% due to TikTok's acceptance of the findings, marking this as a first-time offense. Ofcom emphasized the importance of transparency in assessing the effectiveness of platforms' safety measures. The fine reflects Ofcom's commitment to enforcing regulations under the Online Safety Act, showcasing its readiness to hold tech giants accountable.