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What Does TikTok Do With Our Data?
- TikTok stores data in three layers that consist of a user’s registration details, device-related statistics, and in-app activities, including location with permissions. Personalized ads and recommendations are released through algorithms guided by biometric details, likes, views and shares. External stakeholders access user information for marketing or analytic reasons. Users seeking data archives can only obtain partial data sets, that are missing details linked to other user’s privacy. Criticisms levied at the platform include claims of insufficient transparency, underage data protection, and vulnerabilities during security breaches.
- Concerns regarding the safety of user information have arisen in light of the large volume of user data TikTok manages, prompting concerns over data privacy risks. TikTok’s tracking of biometric data and partial location details is seen as invasive, while others worry that private records may be susceptible during a security breach.
- Algorithms form the backbone of TikTok’s advertising and recommendation features. Watch history, likes, and device details are used to personalize ad selection while a user’s interaction with videos shapes trending content.
- Data collection on TikTok extends beyond the app as external stakeholders access user information for marketing or analytic reasons. Unsettled questions surround how international data transfers, national security, politics, and ownership structures serve to protect user data.
- TikTok is user-downloadable but individual data files do not always contain all data. The platform may ask for verification, then compile the records in a downloadable format. However, users might not receive all the information they were looking to archive because of the exclusion of details linked to other users’ privacy.
- Teenagers are also a concern that the company may not sufficiently be addressing as TikTok's biggest user base tends to comprise minors.
- The platform has to strike a balance between providing users with a personalized experience, while ensuring ample privacy controls are in place, to avoid being seen as an invasive platform.
- To address criticisms, TikTok could increase transparency around how data is gathered and used, make privacy settings more accessible, and introduce more online controls to enable parents to preserve their children's privacy.
- TikTok has surged in popularity globally, with millions of users posting short, often humorous, music-related videos. The Chinese-based social media platform is so far enjoying massive growth but ongoing data privacy concerns could threaten the company's future if not addressed in a responsible and respectful fashion.
- TikTok is currently in talks with the UK government over concerns that user data might be at risk from Chinese state influence through parent company, ByteDance.
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