TikTok and ByteDance settle U.S. children’s privacy case for $400 million

TikTok and ByteDance agreed to a $400 million settlement with the U.S. Justice Department.

The case alleged violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.

TikTok will pay $300 million immediately and $100 million after a prior Musical.ly consent decree is vacated.

The Justice Department sued TikTok and ByteDance in 2024.

The government alleged TikTok collected personal information from children under 13 without required parental consent.

The Justice Department said the settlement is one of the largest recoveries ever in a COPPA case.

Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. called the settlement a major victory for American children and parents.

Since the lawsuit, TikTok has changed U.S. ownership, management, and privacy practices.

The Justice Department said TikTok has strengthened safeguards, age controls, and parental oversight.

The settlement resolves allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.