TikTok must respond to Italy's order to block users with unverified age by Friday

TikTok has been given until Friday to respond to an order from Italy’s data protection agency to block users with unverified age after a 10-year-old girl died participating in one of the platform’s challenges, TechCrunch has learned.

The GPDP issued an ‘immediate’ order last Friday in response to the death by asphyxiation of the young girl, who had participated in a ‘blackout challenge’, local media reports said.

In a statement last week following the girl’s death, the company said: “Our deepest sympathies are with the girl’s family and friends. At TikTok, the safety of our community — in particular our younger users — is our priority, and we do not allow content that encourages, promotes, or glorifies dangerous behaviour that might lead to injury. We offer robust safety controls and resources for teens and families on our platform, and we regularly evolve our policies and protections in our ongoing commitment to our community.”

According to TechCrunch ,TikTok had not yet taken any actions to comply with the order.

A spokeswoman told TechCrunch that the notification was being reviewed. “We have received and are currently reviewing the notification from Garante,” she said. “Privacy and safety are top priorities for TikTok and we are constantly strengthening our policies, processes and technologies to protect all users, and our younger users in particular.”

If TikTok does not comply with the GPDP’s administrative order it could face enforcement from the Italian agency, drawing on penalty powers set out in the GDPR.

TikTok is already facing a number of other investigations and legal challenges in Europe.