European consumer organisations file complaint on TikTok

Test Aankoop/Test Achats, together with BEUC and 16 other European consumer organisations, have lodged a formal complaint against TikTok. The complainants are asking the European Commission and the various regulators to conduct an in-depth investigation into the practices used by the popular Chinese app.

According to the consumer organisations, TikTok is violating the rights of its users in a variety of areas, ranging from ambiguous terms of use and hidden advertising to misleading information about the processing of personal data, etc. And the fact that the app is used mainly by young people and children makes these violations all the more problematic.

Through their complaint, the consumer groups hope that the app will become a safer environment. “A better TikTok app that respects the rights of its users is possible – and that’s what we want,” explain Test Aankoop/Test Achats spokespersons, Simon November and Julie Frère.

You will find more information about the details of this complaint on the Test Aankoop/Test Achats website. If you have teenagers yourself and would like to understand better what your children experience when they go online, you’ll find more useful tips here.