TikTok could be fined $29 million for failing to protect children's privacy in the UK.
British regulators sent a warning notice to TikTok on Monday, saying the company had mishandled young people's information without their permission and failed to explain their data.
The legal document sent to TikTok by the Information Commissioner's Office is a notification that regulators intend to impose a fine.
The video sharing app has been accused of failing to protect the privacy of younger users before. The operators of the platform now known as TikTok agreed to pay a fine to settle federal charges that they had violated the federal children's online privacy law.
The U.S. government is trying to resolve national security concerns with TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese internet giant Byte Dance.
TikTok did not reply to the email.
One year ago, Britain instituted new online protections for minor children called the Children's Code.
The best interests of children are in mind when designing online services like social networks and video game platforms. The rules require online services used by children to turn on the highest privacy settings for young users and prevent them from being tracked.
In the months leading up to the Children's Code taking effect in Britain, popular social apps announced they were increasing protection for children.
British regulators said the investigation was part of a larger effort to make sure companies are following the new rules.
The U.K. information commissioner is looking into how many different online services are in line with the Children's Code.
The British effort inspired California to create a new online safety law for children. The California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act will come into effect in the year 2024.
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