Silicon Republic Reports: Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) Initiates New TikTok Inquiry
Dublin, Ireland – July 10, 2025 – Silicon Republic has reported that Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) has commenced a new inquiry into TikTok, focusing on concerns surrounding the transfer of personal data to China. The investigation, initiated on July 10, 2025, signals a continued scrutiny of the popular social media platform’s data handling practices.
This latest inquiry by the DPC, which acts as Ireland’s lead supervisory authority for many tech companies with European headquarters in the country, will examine whether TikTok’s alleged transfers of user data to China comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR sets stringent rules for how personal data can be collected, processed, and transferred, particularly concerning transfers outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to countries that may not offer the same level of data protection.
While the specific details of the data transfers under investigation have not been fully elaborated, the move by the DPC suggests a renewed focus on the potential risks associated with sharing EU citizens’ data with entities that could be subject to the laws and influence of third countries, such as China. Previous concerns have been raised by regulators and governments globally regarding the potential for foreign governments to access data held by Chinese companies.
TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has previously stated its commitment to user privacy and data security. The company has been working to establish dedicated data centers within Europe to store EU user data, aiming to reduce reliance on servers located in other regions. However, the DPC’s decision to launch a new inquiry indicates that these measures may not have fully allayed all regulatory concerns regarding data flows to China.
The GDPR empowers Data Protection Authorities to investigate suspected infringements of the regulation and to impose significant penalties for non-compliance. This inquiry could potentially lead to substantial fines for TikTok if any violations of data protection laws are found.
The DPC has a history of taking a proactive stance on data protection, and this investigation into TikTok underscores the ongoing efforts to ensure that technology companies operating in Europe adhere to the highest standards of privacy and data security for EU citizens. The outcome of this inquiry will be closely watched by both the tech industry and privacy advocates, as it could further shape the regulatory landscape for global social media platforms.
DPC opens new TikTok inquiry over China data transfers
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