TikTok to offer financial compensation to affected users
Taking Action Against TikTok: A Dutch Class Action lawsuit
Berlin, Germany - Following a lawsuit filed by a Dutch consumer foundation, fresh trouble brews for popular video-sharing app, TikTok. This latest move, initiated by Stichting Onderzoek Marktinformatie (Somi), the Dutch counterpart of our consumer watchdogs, alleges that TikTok has been collecting and analyzing users' highly personal data illegally.
The Chinese company, Bytedance, that owns TikTok, secretly builds comprehensive behavioral and personality profiles, destined for advertising and commercial purposes. To add fuel to the fire, TikTok also creates an atmosphere of manipulation and dependency, particularly for children and young people, through its algorithm design.
TikTok, for their part, remains mum about this developing situation.
Join the Fight
Affected consumers can register to participate in this class action lawsuit through the Federal Office of Justice with minimal hassle. The court has confirmed that if the lawsuit triumphs, these participants will receive their entitlements without the need for individual lawsuits.
Somi's claims argue for damages for registered TikTok users, with compensation varying based on the user's age at the time they started using the platform: those under 16 stand to receive €2,000, those between 16 and 21 can expect €1,000, while those aged 21 and above will receive €500[1][5].
Registering Your Claim
While the class action lawsuit by Somi isn't publicly announced on the Federal Office of Justice (BfJ) website yet, it's expected to be made available in the coming days. Once it's live, consumers and small businesses can submit their claims[4]. To facilitate quick registration, the BfJ recommends using the electronic submission option available on its website, www.bundesjustizamt.de/verbandsklagen. Claims can be filed within three weeks following the conclusion of the oral hearing.
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving situation!
Sources:1. The Verge2. Reuters3. Ars Technica4. Bundesjustizamt Deutschland5. CNBC
The class action lawsuit filed by Dutch consumer foundation Somi against TikTok may result in significant compensation for affected users, depending on their age at the time of using the platform, with younger users potentially receiving up to €2,000 each. Consumers and small businesses can submit their claims on the Federal Office of Justice (BfJ) website,
The lawsuit alleges that TikTok, owned by Chinese company Bytedance, collects and analyzes users' personal data illegally to build comprehensive behavioral and personality profiles for advertising and commercial purposes, which could have implications for the wider field of technology, finance, business, and lifestyle.
