TikTok has pledged to upgrade its child safety features following a Canadian review that exposed weaknesses in blocking minors and handling their data.
The platform, with over 3 billion users, claims it’s not for those under 13, yet hundreds of thousands of Canadian children access it yearly.
Investigation Findings
A collaborative probe by Canada’s federal privacy commissioner Philippe Dufresne and provincial authorities in Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta revealed TikTok’s inadequate barriers.
The review also uncovered widespread collection and use of minors’ personal details for targeted content and ads, raising concerns about negative effects on youth.
Dufresne’s Statement
At a press briefing on September 23, 2025, Dufresne highlighted the risks. “TikTok gathers huge volumes of user data, including from children, to tailor feeds and promotions, which can harm young people,” he warned.
Agreed Improvements
TikTok committed to better age checks to exclude underage users and clearer explanations of data use, especially for younger audiences. These steps aim to enhance platform safety and transparency.
Global Concerns
TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, faces worldwide scrutiny over data harvesting and influence.
The EU has prohibited the app on staff devices in its main bodies, while the U.S. Senate banned it for federal workers on official phones in December 2024.
Broader Implications
This Canadian action adds to international pressure on TikTok to prioritize user privacy, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, amid ongoing regulatory battles.
