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A Canadian investigation has raised concerns about TikTok’s failure to properly protect children's data, finding that the platform's safeguards are insufficient. Despite TikTok’s policy stating the app is not intended for users under 13, hundreds of thousands of children in Canada continue to use it each year.

The probe, led by Canada’s privacy commissioner Philippe Dufresne, discovered that TikTok had collected sensitive personal data from many Canadian minors and used it for targeted advertising and content recommendations.

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Dufresne emphasized the significant amount of data TikTok gathers from users, including children, and how this information is used to influence the content and advertisements displayed. This, he warned, could have harmful effects, particularly on younger audiences.

In response, TikTok stated it would implement measures to enhance protections for Canadian users, including clearer guidelines on data usage. However, the company disagreed with some of the findings of the investigation.

TikTok’s ongoing scrutiny follows broader global concerns, with governments worldwide examining the app’s data practices and national security risks. In the United States, discussions have even taken place regarding a potential shift in the app's ownership. Meanwhile, the European Commission has taken steps to remove TikTok from staff devices to bolster data security.

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