TikTok is accused of transferring European users' data to China, leading to a new investigation by Ireland's Data Protection Authority. The company has been fined previously. The current investigation will ascertain if there have been violations of GDPR regulations.
TikTok: Once again, TikTok, the world's most popular short video app, has come under scrutiny from European regulators. This time, the matter is extremely serious—grave questions have been raised about how the private data of European citizens reached China. The Data Protection Commission (DPC) of Ireland has initiated a new investigation against TikTok, which will rigorously review the company's past actions.
What is the new controversy?
TikTok has faced accusations of privacy violations before, but this time the matter is more serious. Questions are being raised about the methods, rules, and legal validity of transferring European user data to China. According to reports, the DPC aims to determine through this investigation what security standards and legal procedures TikTok followed before sending European data to China.
TikTok had previously claimed that its European data was not stored in China, and that only its employees there had remote access. However, according to recently revealed facts, some data was stored in China, a fact TikTok itself has acknowledged.
A large fine was imposed previously
This new investigation is not an isolated action. Prior to this, TikTok was fined 530 million euros (approximately $620 million) in 2023. At that time, TikTok was accused of not adequately securing children's data and allowing it to be remotely accessed by employees in China. Following that fine, TikTok promised to improve its systems and privacy policy, but the latest case indicates that problems still persist.
Why is this matter so serious?
GDPR is the European Union's strictest data protection law, which gives citizens the right to control their data. Violating it is not only illegal but also becomes sensitive at a political level. TikTok is accused of not providing a proper legal basis for transferring data to China, nor clarifying how users' privacy would be protected. Experts believe that through apps like TikTok, foreign governments—especially China—can obtain sensitive data, which could pose a threat to national security.
The DPC's Role and New Action
The Data Protection Commission (DPC) located in Ireland is the main supervisory body for TikTok in Europe, as TikTok's European headquarters are in Dublin. The new investigation by the DPC will now examine:
- On what basis did TikTok transfer European data to China
- Were the legality and security measures taken in accordance with GDPR
- Were users fully informed about the status of their data
The DPC has also stated that this investigation will be far more in-depth and technical compared to TikTok's previous activities.
TikTok's Silence and the Question Marks
TikTok has not yet made any public response to this investigation. However, the company has previously stated that it 'gives the highest priority to data protection' and 'fully complies with local regulations.' But TikTok's silence has deepened the suspicion. Technology experts believe that the company is now in defense mode and is taking legal advice before making any statement.
What could be the effects?
If TikTok is found guilty in the DPC's investigation, then:
- The company may be fined heavily again
- New conditions may be imposed on TikTok's operations in Europe
- Reviews of TikTok's data policy may begin in other countries as well
- Users' trust and TikTok's reputation could suffer significant damage
Additionally, countries like the United States, Australia, and India, which already view TikTok with suspicion, may take stricter action, citing this case.
Is the environment deteriorating for TikTok?
It is clear that in Western countries, TikTok's image is no longer just that of an entertainment app. Its association with Chinese companies, data control, and the potential for espionage have connected it to political and national security issues. It is also true that TikTok's popularity is still at its peak, but every new investigation and fine is weakening the company's reputation. Especially among young users and parents, awareness of privacy is now increasing.
