It’s no secret that TikTok has taken the world by storm. Its addictive short-form videos have captivated millions, especially the younger generation. But a recent investigation by Canada’s Privacy Commissioner raises serious concerns about what happens behind the fun filters and trending dances: TikTok is collecting vast amounts of sensitive information from children and its safeguards are woefully inadequate.
According to the joint investigation by Canada’s federal and provincial privacy offices, TikTok’s tools to keep children off the platform are falling short. While the platform claims to prohibit users under 13 or under 14 in Quebec the report found that a significant number of Canadian children still have accounts. Worse, the app collects sensitive personal information, including biometric data, health information, gender identity, sexual orientation, and even political opinions.
Why does this matter? Because TikTok doesn’t just collect data it uses it to target content and advertisements. For adults, this is already concerning, but for children, it’s dangerous. Kids are more impressionable and less aware of privacy risks. The algorithm is designed to capture attention and, intentionally or not, influence behaviors, from what they watch to what they buy. This is not just marketing; it’s a form of manipulation on a massive scale.
TikTok claims that some targeting features, like reaching users based on transgender status, are impossible but the investigation suggests otherwise. If children’s sensitive information can be used to shape the content they see, we are looking at an ethical and privacy minefield. The company’s current measures clearly fall short of protecting its youngest users.
The problem isn’t just Canadian. Governments around the world, including the U.S., have raised alarms over TikTok’s ties to China’s ByteDance. The fact that Chinese law could compel the company to share user data with the state adds another layer of concern. It’s no wonder that governments are banning TikTok from official devices and pushing for stricter controls.
TikTok has agreed to improve its age-verification methods and be more transparent about its data practices. But promises are not enough. Children’s privacy and safety should not be an afterthought in the race for user engagement. Parents, regulators, and the company itself must act decisively. Social media is fun, but no app should profit from exploiting the most vulnerable among us.
In the age of digital surveillance and algorithm-driven attention, TikTok’s practices should serve as a wake-up call: we need stronger protections for children online, and we need them now.
