Ethical Hacking News
Austrian privacy non-profit None of Your Business (noyb) has filed complaints against TikTok and AliExpress, alleging they are transferring user data to China in violation of GDPR. The move comes as a significant concern for the European Union, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability among companies that handle user data.
TikTok, AliExpress, SHEIN, Temu, WeChat, and Xiaomi have been accused of violating GDPR by transferring EU users' data to China. The European Privacy Group (noyb) has filed complaints in several countries, seeking an immediate suspension of these transfers. noyb claims that China lacks an independent data protection authority, making it difficult to ensure user data is protected. The group's efforts aim to hold companies accountable for their data handling practices and promote stricter regulations. The complaint comes as the US prepares to ban TikTok due to concerns over its lax approach to user data protection.
The European Privacy Group, None of Your Business (noyb), has filed a series of complaints against several prominent companies, including TikTok, AliExpress, SHEIN, Temu, WeChat, and Xiaomi, alleging that they are in violation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by transferring users' data to China. This development comes as a significant concern for the European Union, given its strict data protection laws and regulations.
The complaints, filed in Austria, Belgium, Greece, Italy, and the Netherlands, aim to seek an immediate suspension of such transfers, stating that these companies cannot shield user data from being potentially accessed by the Chinese government. According to Kleanthi Sardeli, a data protection lawyer at noyb, "Given that China is an authoritarian surveillance state, it is crystal clear that China doesn't offer the same level of data protection as the E.U." She further emphasized that transferring Europeans' personal data is clearly unlawful and must be terminated immediately.
The advocacy group noted that the companies in question have no choice but to comply with Chinese authorities' requests for access to data, citing Beijing's lack of an independent data protection authority. This statement highlights the tension between the European Union's strict data protection laws and China's more permissive approach to data collection and usage.
noyb has previously filed GDPR-related complaints against Google, Microsoft, and Mozilla, alleging that these companies track users without consent through various tracking mechanisms. The latest complaints against TikTok and AliExpress mark the group's continued efforts to hold companies accountable for their data handling practices.
The development coincides with a significant concern regarding the shutdown of TikTok's app in the U.S., scheduled to take place on January 19, 2025. This move is part of a federal ban on the social media platform, which has been criticized for its lax approach to user data protection.
In recent months, noyb has been at the forefront of efforts to protect users' personal data and push for stricter regulations. The group's tireless advocacy work has shed light on various data-related issues, including the use of AI-powered tracking mechanisms and the exploitation of users' data for targeted advertising purposes.
This latest complaint highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability among companies that handle user data. As Kleanthi Sardeli aptly stated, "Transferring Europeans' personal data is clearly unlawful – and must be terminated immediately." The noyb's efforts serve as a reminder of the importance of robust data protection regulations and the need for companies to prioritize users' rights.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also been actively involved in addressing concerns related to user data protection. In recent months, the agency has taken actions against General Motors and GoDaddy, two prominent companies that have faced criticism for their handling of customer data. The FTC's efforts aim to promote transparency and accountability among companies that collect and process sensitive information.
The amendments to online privacy safeguards for children under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA) are also noteworthy. These changes require obtaining verifiable parental consent prior to processing children's data for advertising purposes or sharing it with third-parties. This development is a significant step towards protecting minors' personal data and ensuring that companies prioritize their safety.
In conclusion, the noyb's complaint against TikTok and AliExpress highlights the ongoing efforts to protect users' personal data and push for stricter regulations. The European Union's strict data protection laws and regulations serve as a model for other regions, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability among companies that handle user data.
As the tech industry continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritize users' rights and promote robust data protection regulations. The noyb's tireless advocacy work serves as a reminder of the need for greater transparency and accountability, ensuring that companies prioritize users' safety and well-being.
Related Information:
https://thehackernews.com/2025/01/european-privacy-group-sues-tiktok-and.html
Published: Thu Jan 16 23:21:42 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
