TikTok settles for $400 million over violations of children’s privacy

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on 21 August 2026 that it has reached a settlement with TikTok worth a total of 400 million dollars. (read the press release here)

The case stems from two lawsuits alleging violations of the U.S. children’s privacy law, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

What does this mean for affected children and parents in the Netherlands?

Unfortunately, the settlement does not include an admission of liability and does not impose any additional obligations on TikTok. The entire 400 million dollars will go to the U.S. government; affected children and parents will not receive compensation. However, the settlement does underscore that concerns about TikTok’s conduct are being taken seriously by regulators worldwide. This may lead to increased scrutiny, oversight, and potentially future enforcement actions that could be relevant for Dutch users.

A clear example is that, almost simultaneously with the U.S. settlement, the Brazilian data protection authority imposed a fine on TikTok (read here). The authority found that TikTok processed the personal data of children and teenagers without a valid legal basis. As a result, TikTok must delete the unlawfully collected data and develop a plan outlining how it will comply with the law going forward.

We will continue to advocate for children in the Netherlands and keep you informed of further developments.