The Italian data protection authority has formally warned Chinese app TikTok about an alleged breach of existing EU rules to protect users’ privacy, the watchdog said Monday.
TikTok, which is growing rapidly worldwide, especially among teens, had told users in recent weeks it would deliver targeted ads to them but had not asked for permission to use data stored on their devices, the Italian watchdog said.
A TikTok spokesperson in Italy did not immediately comment.
Italian authorities also said they were concerned that inappropriate advertising could be targeted at minors, given the difficulties TikTok faces in closely monitoring the ages of its users.