South Korea Fines TikTok $7 Million for Unlawful Data Collection

South Korea's data protection authority has fined TikTok 10.3 billion won (US$7 million) for illegally collecting and using user behavior data. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) announced Thursday that the fine targets Singapore-based TikTok Pte. Ltd., the service's operator in South Korea.

The PIPC found that TikTok violated personal information protection laws by collecting behavioral data from 9.45 million users in South Korea. This data was gathered through tracking devices on third-party websites and apps and then used to personalize advertisements. Authorities stated that TikTok did not provide users with adequate notice about this practice.

In a separate action, the PIPC ordered remedial measures and imposed a combined fine of 252 million won on two Apple Inc. subsidiaries. These fines stem from violations related to the collection of voice recordings and transcripts from Siri voice assistant users without their consent. The commission noted that Apple collected this data without permission until August 2019. Although user consent for voice recordings was sought starting in October 2019, Apple has not yet requested consent for the collection of transcripts, according to Yonhap.