TikTok has promised to make major changes in Canada after regulators raised serious concerns about how the app handles children’s data.
Privacy watchdogs from the federal government and three provinces found that the platform’s safeguards were insufficient, particularly in preventing users under 13 from accessing the platform.
The investigation revealed that hundreds of thousands of Canadian children are still using TikTok every year despite the official age limit.
Regulators also discovered that the app was collecting sensitive information from these users, including voice data, facial analytics, location details, and behavioral patterns that help tailor content and ads.
Faced with mounting pressure, TikTok has pledged to step up its game. The company says it will enhance its age checks to prevent underage users from accessing the platform.
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It will also provide clearer explanations about how it collects and uses personal data, and simplify communication so that younger audiences can better understand what they are agreeing to.
Canadian officials welcomed the promises but made it clear they will be watching closely. They want to see lasting solutions, not temporary fixes.
Regulators insist the real goal is to prevent children from being exposed to manipulative content or being targeted through hidden data practices. Canada has also revealed that regular progress reports will be required to track whether TikTok follows through.
A TikTok spokesperson said the company is pleased the commissioners agreed to a number of its proposals “to further strengthen” its platform for Canadians.
“While we disagree with some of the findings, we remain committed to maintaining strong transparency and privacy practices,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
