Archive · 23 Jul 2026
South Korea fines TikTok $7 million for data violations
South Korea's privacy watchdog fined TikTok $7 million for collecting and using user data from third-party services without properly informing users.
The data was used to personalize advertisements.
The watchdog said TikTok collected data from 9.45 million users in South Korea.
Separately, Apple was also fined for collecting voice recordings and transcripts without consent until 2019.
Last month, e-commerce company Coupang was fined a record $410 million for privacy violations, including a data breach affecting over 37 million users.
South Korea's privacy watchdog fined TikTok $7 million for unlawful data collection and use.
TikTok collected behavioral data from 9.45 million users in South Korea for personalized ads.
The company failed to properly notify users of these actions.
Apple was also fined for collecting voice recordings and transcripts without consent until 2019.
Coupang was fined a record $410 million for privacy violations, including a massive data breach.
- Who
- TikTok Pte. Ltd. and South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission
- What
- Fining TikTok for unlawful collection and use of user data for personalized advertisements
- When
- Thursday
- Where
- South Korea
- Why
- For violating personal information laws by not properly notifying users of data collection actions
TikTok's Defense
Regulator's Stance
Data Collection Practices
TikTok's Defense
TikTok claims it follows standard industry practices for data collection and personalization.
Regulator's Stance
The Personal Information Protection Commission asserts TikTok violated personal information laws by not properly notifying users.
- Fine Amount
- $7 million
- Number of Users Affected
- 9.45 million
- Regulatory Body
- Personal Information Protection Commission
- Date of Fine Announcement
- Thursday
- Company Fined
- TikTok Pte. Ltd.
- Location of Offense
- South Korea
