TikTok Data Fine Reaches $29.8 Million in Brazil
Brazil has fined TikTok owner ByteDance 153.8 million reais, or about $29.8 million, over alleged violations involving teenagers’ personal data.
Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority, known as ANPD, published the decision in the country’s official gazette on Tuesday.
The regulator said ByteDance’s Brazilian operation processed personal data belonging to teenagers aged 13 to 18 without a valid legal basis.
The case highlights growing concerns about how social media companies protect children and teenagers online.
Regulator Raises Concerns Over Millions of Users
ANPD estimated that TikTok may have processed data belonging to at least 8 million children during the period under review.
The regulator linked the figure to weaknesses in TikTok’s age-verification system.
ANPD also raised concerns about TikTok’s so-called logged-out feed.
The feature allows people to browse TikTok content without creating an account.
According to the regulator, this setup allowed children and teenagers in Brazil to use the platform without effective age checks.
ANPD said TikTok also lacked sufficient safeguards to reduce the risks created by processing large amounts of children’s and teenagers’ personal information.
TikTok Disputes the Findings
TikTok said the fine concerns conduct dating back to 2021.
The company argued that the decision does not fully consider a compliance plan that ANPD approved in 2025.
TikTok also pointed to additional safeguards it has introduced since then.
The company said those measures comply with Brazil’s data protection requirements for both logged-in and logged-out users.
TikTok added that it would continue working with the regulator while considering its legal options.
ByteDance Faces Further Requirements
ANPD said ByteDance must delete personal data belonging to teenagers on the platform if the company does not receive and document the required parental, guardian or other legal arrangements within 60 days.
The company could face an additional daily penalty of 137,081.49 reais if it fails to meet the data deletion, reporting or notification requirements.
However, ByteDance could reduce the main penalty by 25% if it gives up its right to appeal and pays the fine promptly.
ANPD Director Lorena Giuberti Coutinho said ByteDance had committed to a plan designed to bring TikTok into compliance with Brazilian law.
Brazil Tightens Rules for Social Media
The TikTok data fine comes as Brazilian authorities increase scrutiny of online platforms.
The country has joined a wider international push to strengthen protections for children and teenagers using social media.
Countries including Australia, France and China have introduced or considered tougher measures affecting minors’ access to digital platforms.
Earlier this month, ANPD ordered Discord to suspend livestreaming features because of concerns about children’s and teenagers’ exposure to harmful content.
Coutinho said ANPD is also monitoring TikTok’s compliance with Brazil’s Digital Child and Adolescent Statute.
The law took effect in March.
The regulator recently opened two additional monitoring proceedings involving 22 digital platforms and social media networks.
Those investigations will examine whether the companies comply with the country’s new child-protection requirements.
TikTok Faces Greater Regulatory Pressure
The Brazilian case could increase pressure on social media companies to strengthen age verification and data-protection systems.
For ByteDance, the immediate challenge involves meeting ANPD’s requirements while deciding whether to challenge the financial penalty.
The regulator’s decision also sends a broader message to technology companies operating in Brazil: platforms that process children’s data must provide stronger safeguards and demonstrate compliance with local privacy rules.
