TikTok fined $29.8M in Brazil and ordered to disable ads for users without accounts

Brazil’s data protection agency, ANPD, fined ByteDance R$153.7 million, about $29.8 million, for violations in the processing of children’s and teens’ data on TikTok. The decision was published on August 25. On the same day, the ANPD Board published a decision approving ByteDance’s compliance plan on appeal. Under the plan, TikTok must fully disable advertising for users without accounts in Brazil.

Violations were found among both registered users and people browsing TikTok without creating an account. According to ANPD, the platform processed children’s and teens’ data without sufficient legal grounds, while the measures in place did not prevent such data processing.

According to the regulator’s estimate, TikTok may have processed the data of at least 8 million minors during this period. ByteDance was also ordered to delete the data collected in violation of the rules.

The restrictions will also apply to browsing TikTok without registration. In Brazil, advertising will be fully disabled for these users, personalization will be limited, and the volume of collected data will be reduced.

To recommend content, TikTok will be allowed to use minimal language and region data, as well as basic device information to prevent fraud and improve app performance.

You will be able to use TikTok without an account for no more than 12 hours in total on a single device. In this mode, you will not be able to create content, comment, send direct messages, follow other accounts, or watch and host livestreams. Only content suitable for all ages will be available.

For registered users under 16, TikTok must automatically enable the strictest privacy settings. You will only be able to change them with permission from parents or other legal representatives. The platform must also strengthen parental controls and content filtering.

TikTok told Reuters that the fine relates to actions in 2021 and does not take into account additional safeguards implemented later. ByteDance will continue engaging with the regulator and is considering possible further legal action.