TikTok Faces Class Action Lawsuit in Berlin Over Alleged Data Misuse and Manipulation
TikTok Owes Consumers Compensation for Undisclosed Data Use - TikTok to offer financial reparations to users
Hey there! Let's dive into some buzzing news about TikTok, the popular video-sharing platform.
It's time for TikTok to face the music—or, in this case, a class action lawsuit. The Dutch consumer association Stichting Onderzoek Marktinformatie (Somi) has filed a damages claim against TikTok at the Kammergericht Berlin (Berlin Regional Court). And guess what? German consumers can hop aboard this lawsuit with a breeze!
Somi's accusations? TikTok, owned by Chinese firm Bytedance, has been suspected of illegally gathering and analyzing extremely personal data. Not only that, but the platform is also said to be creating extensive behavioral and personality profiles for commercial purposes, all under wraps. Plus, TikTok's algorithm allegedly manipulates users, particularly children and young adults, to create a system of addiction [1].
TikTok has quiet as a mouse about this situation so far. We'll keep you posted!
Want to join the shenanigans? Hop on the class action bandwagon. Simply sign up in the lawsuit register at the Federal Office of Justice. If the lawsuit succeeds, you'll get your money without lifting a finger—it'll come to you as part of the class action.
Now, the Dutch consumer advocates are seeking damages for TikTok's registered users. The payouts depend on the user's age:- Users younger than 16 at the time they started using TikTok could be in line for EUR2,000.- Those aged 16 to 21 may receive EUR1,000.- Users over 21 can expect EUR500.
And don't worry—this lawsuit isn't under wraps. It's expected to be announced in the class action register on the Federal Office of Justice's website soon. Once it's public, consumers and small businesses can submit their claims there. The Federal Office advises using the online registration form at www.bundesjustizamt.de/verbandsklagen for a speedy process. Claims can be submitted within three weeks after the oral hearing ends.
For the legal eagles out there, here are some key terms:- TikTok- Kammergericht Berlin- Berlin- Class action lawsuit- Netherlands- Video platform- Federal Office of Justice- Damages lawsuit- Court spokeswoman- Germany- Elon Musk (X platform)- ByteDance Ltd.- Children
In the ongoing class action lawsuit against TikTok, German consumers can join and potentially receive compensation if the lawsuit is successful. The amounts vary based on the user's age, with minors under 16 potentially receiving €2,000, users aged 16-21 receiving €1,000, and users over 21 receiving €500. This lawsuit, initiated by the Dutch consumer association Somi, alleges TikTok's misuse of personal data, creation of behavioral and personality profiles, and algorithmic manipulation, particularly for children and young adults. This lawsuit is expected to be announced on the Federal Office of Justice's website soon, and claims can be submitted online using the provided registration form.
