EU Slaps TikTok With 530M Euros Fine Over Data Transfers To China

The European Union (EU) has fined TikTok 530 million euros for transferring personal data of European users to China and failing to ensure their protection.

Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), the lead regulator due to TikTok’s EU headquarters in Dublin, found that user data was remotely accessed from China without adequate safeguards. The platform acknowledged that European data had been hosted in China, contradicting earlier statements. The DPC ordered TikTok to comply within six months or face suspended transfers. TikTok plans to appeal the decision, saying it has never shared data with Chinese authorities.

The ruling follows a 345 million euro fine in 2023 over child data handling. The decision may add pressure from the U.S., where ByteDance is required to divest TikTok or face a ban by June 19.