TikTok Under Fire: Dutch Consumer Group Sued the Video Platform for Data Misuse
TikTok to shell out compensation to its users
Catch this lowdown on the latest legal skirmish between TikTok and a Dutch consumer organization!
Berlin's Kammergericht has become the battlefield between TikTok and a non-profit consumer foundation hailing from the Netherlands, known as Stichting Onderzoek Marktinformatie (Somi). The Kammergericht Berlin announced this lawsuit, accusing TikTok of illegally data collection and analysis, creating behavioral and personality profiles, manipulation, and dependence, particularly targeting children and youth [1].
This isn't the first time Somi has stood up against a tech giant, as it already filed a similar lawsuit against Musk's platform, X, in Berlin, back in May [2]. However, TikTok hasn't weighed in on this matter just yet.
How to Hop on the Lawsuit Bandwagon
If you're a TikTok user feeling aggrieved by these allegations, you can join the fray! All you need to do is register your participation in the lawsuit through the Federal Office of Justice (BfJ) [3]. Don't worry; you won't need to file individual claims. If the lawsuit wins, you'll receive your compensation as part of the group action. Remember, the amount of compensation for each user depends on their age at the time they started using TikTok:
- If under 16: EUR 2,000
- Between 16-21: EUR 1,000
- Over 21: EUR 500 [2]
So, How to Sign Up?
Right now, Somi's model case isn't publicly listed on the BfJ's website. But stay tuned, it's expected to pop up in a few days [3]. From there, consumers and small businesses can file their claims. The BfJ has a registration form readily available on its website at www.bundesjustizamt.de/verbandsklagen. They strongly recommend using the electronic option to ensure a quick registration process. Just remember to register your claims for the lawsuit within three weeks after the oral hearing's conclusion.
Remember, while joining this lawsuit can be a chance to seek justice for possible data misuse, keeping yourself informed about updates from Somi or the Federal Office of Justice is essential since TikTok has yet to respond to these claims.
[1]Data Privacy Violations and Commercial Manipulation: A Look into the Allegations Against TikTok
[2]Eligibility Criteria and Compensation Amounts: Your Guide to Joining the TikTok Lawsuit
[3]Registration and Update: How to Keep up with the Latest on the TikTok Lawsuit Through the Federal Office of Justice in Germany
- Even if you're not directly involved in the ongoing legal battle between TikTok and Somi, you can still take part in the lawsuit by registering with the Federal Office of Justice (BfJ).
- If you're concerned about potential misuse of your personal-finance data by TikTok, be aware that the amount of compensation you may receive, should the lawsuit win, depends on your age at the time you started using TikTok: EUR 2,000 if under 16, EUR 1,000 if between 16-21, and EUR 500 if over 21.
- The technology behind data-and-cloud-computing plays a significant role in this case, as Somi accuses TikTok of illegally collecting and analyzing user data to create behavioral and personality profiles, which could potentially impact users' personal-finance budgeting decisions.
