Ireland Opens Fresh TikTok Probe Over China Data

Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) has opened a new investigation into TikTok after the company admitted to storing some European user data on servers in China, despite earlier assurances that data was only remotely accessed from China. This follows a prior DPC probe that led to a €530 million fine against TikTok for improper data transfers outside the EU, a penalty TikTok is currently appealing. The DPC expressed deep concern over TikTok's submission of inaccurate information during the first investigation. The latest inquiry will assess whether TikTok has complied with the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), focusing on the legality of its data transfers, storage practices, and the adequacy of protections for EU users. The case underscores increasing regulatory scrutiny of Chinese-owned technology companies in Europe, especially amid the lack of an EU-China data transfer agreement. Depending on the findings, TikTok could face additional penalties.