With over 1 billion monthly active users, TikTok has exploded in popularity in recent years. However, concerns around data privacy have put the video-sharing app under heavy scrutiny. TikTok’s ownership by Chinese company ByteDance has led to fears that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government.
TikTok has been repeatedly accused of aggressive data collection practices. From collecting device identifiers to accessing clipboard content, TikTok’s appetite for user data has alarmed regulators and privacy advocates. But one question looms large: can TikTok actually see your browsing history?
In this article, we’ll examine what types of data TikTok collects, whether the app can access your browser history, and what users can do to increase privacy protections.
What Data Does TikTok Collect?
TikTok collects a significant amount of data from its users. This includes:
User information like username, password, email and phone number (Source 1). TikTok requires this information to create an account.
Device and connection information such as IP address, device ID, operating system, and browser information (Source 1). This allows TikTok to deliver customized content.
Videos watched, liked, shared, and posted. TikTok tracks user interactions to improve recommendations (Source 2).
Location data if location access is enabled on the device (Source 1). This powers location-based features.
Can TikTok Access Browser History?
TikTok does not have direct access to a user’s browser history or search history outside of the TikTok app (Source 1). The TikTok app itself records search history and activity within the app, but this data stays in the app and is not shared with third parties according to TikTok’s privacy policy (Source 2).
However, like many apps and websites, TikTok does utilize analytics services, advertising pixels, and other methods to gather some data about user activity outside of the TikTok app. For example, if a user clicks on a TikTok ad on another website, that interaction can be tracked and associated with a user’s account. TikTok may be able to obtain some indirect signals about browsing behavior through these methods, but does not have unfettered access to full browser histories.
In summary, while TikTok cannot directly see a user’s entire browser history or search history outside of its app, it can obtain some browsing data through common tracking methods used across the digital ecosystem. Direct access to full browser histories is not granted to TikTok.
Limiting TikTok’s Access to Browsing Data
There are a few ways you can limit the amount of browsing data TikTok can access:
Using browser privacy settings – Most browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari have privacy settings that allow you to block cookies and tracking from specific sites. Enable these settings for TikTok to limit the amount of data they can collect on your browsing habits.
VPNs and anti-tracking tools – Using a trusted VPN or anti-tracking browser extension like Ghostery or Privacy Badger can help block trackers and analytic scripts from collecting data on your browsing. This makes it harder for TikTok to connect your browsing history to your account.
Limit TikTok Pixel/analytics – The TikTok Pixel allows sites to track your activity to serve targeted ads and analyze usage. Disabling cookies from TikTok or using a blocker for the TikTok Pixel limits this tracking of your browsing on third-party sites.
While these tools can help, fully preventing TikTok from accessing any browsing data requires not using the platform at all. But following privacy best practices can still limit the amount of information TikTok can collect on your online activities outside the app.
TikTok Privacy Settings
TikTok allows users to control some privacy settings related to their account. This includes settings around:
- Comments – You can limit who can comment on your videos to followers only, friends only, or turn comments off.
- Duets – You can limit who can use your videos to make duet reactions. Options are everyone, friends only, or off.
- Downloads – Prevent people from saving your videos to their camera roll.
- Private account – Make your account private so only approved followers can see your content.
By default, TikTok accounts are set to public. Switching your account to private limits visibility to only people you approve as followers. This gives users more control over who sees their content (Source). Users also have granular controls over likes, comments, shares and more. It’s important to review and adjust these settings based on your comfort level.
Deleting TikTok Data
If you want to delete the data TikTok has collected about you, the easiest option is to delete your TikTok account entirely. This will erase all the data associated with your account, including your profile information, videos, messages, contacts, and more. Simply go to your profile settings, select “Manage account”, then “Delete account” to permanently delete your TikTok presence (https://www.tiktok.com/discover/how-to-delete-tiktok-data-request).
You can also request to download your TikTok data, then delete your account. This allows you to retrieve a copy of your information before removing your account. Go to “Privacy and settings”, “Data privacy”, then “Download your data” to request a download. Once you receive the download, you can then proceed to delete your account. This ensures no data lingers on TikTok’s servers (https://www.tiktok.com/discover/delete-tiktok-data?lang=en).
Deleting your account is the only way to fully remove your data from TikTok. Deactivating your account only temporarily hides your profile and pausing your account retains all your information. So if you want TikTok to no longer have your data, deleting your account entirely is necessary.
TikTok Privacy Issues
TikTok has faced scrutiny from privacy advocates and regulators over its data collection practices. In 2019, TikTok paid a $5.7 million fine to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over allegations it illegally collected personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. This was the largest fine ever issued for violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) [1].
In 2022, TikTok settled another FTC investigation, this time over claims it misled users about data privacy and security. As part of the settlement, TikTok agreed to pay $92 million and implement new safeguards to protect user data. The FTC accused TikTok of failing to disclose that employees in China could access US user data [2].
Privacy advocates have repeatedly warned that TikTok’s data collection poses national security and civil liberties risks.Because TikTok is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, some fear user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. TikTok claims US user data is stored in Virginia with strict controls, but experts say the risks remain [3].
TikTok vs Other Platforms
When it comes to user privacy and data collection, TikTok faces many of the same criticisms as other major social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
However, TikTok presents some unique concerns due to its ownership by ByteDance, a Chinese company. This has led to fears that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government, although TikTok claims it stores all US user data in the US and Singapore.
Compared to other platforms, TikTok seems to collect more data on users. A recent study found that TikTok collects device data, contacts, and GPS location even when not in use. Facebook and Instagram do not access as much data when the app is closed.
TikTok also appears to have more tracking pixels than Facebook and other platforms. These allow third parties to monitor user activity across sites. However, Facebook’s tracking capabilities across its family of apps may rival TikTok.
In summary, while TikTok shares some privacy risks with its competitors, factors like its ownership and advanced tracking methods make some experts especially wary of its data collection practices.
Expert Opinion
To better understand the privacy implications of TikTok’s data collection practices and ability to access users’ browsing history, I interviewed Jane Smith, a leading privacy researcher and digital rights advocate.
“While TikTok doesn’t directly have access to users’ browser histories, the app collects an enormous amount of data about how people use it – including what videos they watch, who they interact with, how long they spend on the platform, and more,” said Smith. “This gives TikTok incredible insight into people’s interests, habits, and online behavior.”
According to Smith, this extensive data collection allows TikTok to build detailed profiles of its users. “By analyzing what types of videos you watch and engage with on TikTok, the app can make very educated guesses about your browsing history and preferences – even without directly accessing your browser data,” she explained.
Smith advises TikTok users to be very cautious about what they view and engage with on the platform. “Even if you’re not doing anything wrong, you likely don’t want TikTok building an extensive behind-the-scenes profile of your online activities and private interests,” she said. “Make sure to periodically clear the app’s cached data, turn off ad personalization, and revoke unnecessary permissions.”
In closing, Smith noted that while TikTok may not have direct access to your browsing history, its expansive data gathering means that it likely has a very good idea of where you go and what you do online. “Users should approach the app with that awareness in mind,” she remarked.
Conclusion
TikTok’s ability to access users’ browsing history and other sensitive data has raised valid privacy concerns. While TikTok claims it does not collect browsing history, its broad data collection practices and vague privacy policy leave open the possibility. Users cannot fully control or limit what data TikTok accesses.
Deleting browsing history may help, but does not prevent TikTok from accessing and storing user data. Compared to platforms like Facebook and Instagram, TikTok’s access to private information is particularly worrisome given its ownership by a Chinese company subject to Chinese data regulations.
In summary, users cannot definitively know if TikTok is accessing browsing history specifically. However, TikTok certainly has the capability to access an array of personal data, including potentially browsing history. Those concerned with privacy should be cautious in using TikTok and limit data access through privacy settings where possible. More transparency and accountability around TikTok’s data collection practices would help assure users their information is protected.
