The UK’s communications regulator is currently examining TikTok following concerns that the social media platform may have submitted incorrect details in response to a formal request for information. The probe was initiated after discrepancies were found in data that TikTok provided for an Ofcom report released on Thursday, which analyzed the efforts of video-sharing platforms to shield children from harmful content. TikTok has attributed the error to a technical glitch and has proactively notified Ofcom, which led to the investigation.
The focus of the inquiry is on the veracity of the data supplied by TikTok, rather than the effectiveness of its parental control features. Ofcom’s investigation includes TikTok, along with Snap and Twitch, evaluating their compliance with legal obligations to protect children from exposure to content that could be detrimental to their well-being.
All three platforms have established some barriers to safeguard children from harmful content, but risks remain for young users. Specifically, Ofcom has questioned the accuracy of information provided by TikTok regarding its “Family Pairing” feature. This feature, launched in April 2020, allows parents to link their account with their child’s to oversee screen time, direct messages, and privacy settings, among other controls.
Although users under the age of 18 have the option to disable Family Pairing, such an action triggers a notification to the parents. Ofcom has indicated that it might revise its report should TikTok furnish more precise information.
