U.S. probes allegations TikTok violated children's privacy - sources

The U.S. government is looking into allegations TikTok violated children's privacy.

That's according to Reuters sources.

It marks the latest run-in between U.S. authorities and the popular online app owned by China's ByteDance.

On Monday (July 6) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States was 'certainly looking at' banning the app.

He suggested it shared information with the Chinese government.

TikTok denied the accusation.

Two sources said they recently took part in separate conference calls with the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission.

They talked over allegations TikTok had not lived up to an agreement made in February 2019 to protect children's privacy.

Campaigners want the U.S. government to find out whether TikTok failed to delete videos and personal information about users aged 13 and younger.

In response, the firm said it took 'safety seriously'.

TikTok claims it gives users under 13 a 'limited app experience' with more safety and privacy protections.

The FTC and The Justice Department had no immediate comment.

Any potential ban would be a heavy blow for TikTok.

It said last year that 60% of its 26 million monthly active users in the U.S. are aged 16 to 24.

U.S. lawmakers have also raised national security concerns over TikTok’s handling of user data.

They are worried about laws which require domestic companies to support and cooperate with the Chinese Communist Party.