The short answer is yes, TikTok likely still collects user data for ad targeting and content recommendations. However, TikTok has made efforts in recent years to be more transparent about data collection practices and comply with regulations.
What kind of data does TikTok collect?
Like most social media platforms, TikTok collects different types of user data including:
- Account information – age, username, password, email address, phone number, etc.
- User generated content – videos, messages, comments, hashtags used, etc.
- Device information – IP address, operating system, browser type, mobile carrier, etc.
- Usage information – videos watched, search terms, clickstreams, etc.
- Location information – city-level location based on IP address or more precise GPS data if location services enabled.
This data helps TikTok:
- Customize the user experience – recommend videos and accounts to follow based on watch history and interests.
- Serve targeted ads – advertisers want their ads to reach specific demographics and interests.
- Improve its services – analyze usage patterns to optimize features and interfaces.
- Prevent fraud and abuse – detect bots, spam, and fake accounts.
Does TikTok share user data?
In the past, TikTok’s parent company ByteDance was accused of sharing data with the Chinese government. However, TikTok has repeatedly insisted it stores U.S. user data in the U.S. and Singapore, not China.
According to TikTok’s privacy policy, user data may be shared with:
- Vendors and service providers – to perform business operations on TikTok’s behalf.
- Law enforcement agencies – in response to legal requests and court orders.
- New TikTok entity if ownership changes – in the event of merger, acquisition, or bankruptcy proceedings.
- Other users – information posted publicly on TikTok can be seen by other users.
TikTok states they will not share personal information like email addresses and phone numbers with other users. But non-identifiable information may be shared with affiliates, partners, advertisers, and researchers.
Can you opt-out of TikTok data collection?
TikTok does not offer an option to completely opt-out of data collection. However, users can manage privacy settings to limit some data being collected:
- Make account private – limits videos being seen only by approved followers.
- Turn off personalized ads – prevents usage history influencing ads served.
- Disable location services – stops GPS coordinates being attached to posts.
- Clear watch history – removes viewing activity used for recommendations.
- Turn off data usage in app settings – prevents uploading videos over mobile data.
It’s important to note even with privacy settings maxed out, TikTok still collects some usage analytics and technical data to maintain core functionality.
Does TikTok monitor private messages?
TikTok states in its privacy policy they may review private messages to enforce community guidelines and prevent harmful, dangerous, or illegal activity on the platform. However, they claim not to use message data for ad targeting or recommendations.
Cybersecurity experts warn users should be cautious about sharing any sensitive information over TikTok private messages, as they could theoretically be monitored.
What data protection laws apply to TikTok?
As a Chinese company operating internationally, TikTok is subject to various data protection laws including:
- GDPR – General Data Protection Regulation in the European Union.
- CCPA – California Consumer Privacy Act in California, USA.
- PIPEDA – Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act in Canada.
- PIPL – Personal Information Protection Law in China.
These laws generally require informed consent from users, data minimization, reasonable security safeguards, and other data protection principles.
Has TikTok violated any privacy laws?
TikTok paid a $5.7 million fine to the FTC in 2019 to settle allegations it illegally collected personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. This violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the U.S.
The company has also faced large fines for violating GDPR and other data protection laws. But most fines have focused on protecting children’s data rather than spying allegations.
What changes has TikTok made to address privacy concerns?
In response to ongoing privacy criticisms, TikTok has made the following changes in recent years:
- Published more detailed privacy policy and transparency reports.
- Enabled stronger default privacy settings for younger users.
- Minimized data collected from users not logged into an account.
- Localized European user data storage to comply with GDPR.
- Partnered with Oracle for cloud storage and security oversight in the U.S.
- Rolled out tools for users to better manage data and privacy settings.
However, some experts say these changes have mainly been reactionary to avoid bans rather than proactively protecting privacy.
Does TikTok’s privacy compare to other social apps?
Many consider TikTok’s historical privacy practices substandard compared to American social media companies. However, high-profile scandals like Cambridge Analytica have shown other tech giants also collect huge amounts of data for profit.
No social media platform provides full transparency into how they use data. TikTok is not necessarily worse than alternatives like Facebook or Instagram when it comes to data mining and targeted advertising.
Is TikTok safe for teenagers and kids?
Many parents are understandably concerned about TikTok’s data collection practices given the large number of young users. TikTok does allow accounts for ages 13+ but has stricter privacy defaults for younger teens.
Cyber experts advise teens be cautious sharing personal information publicly or privately on the app. Responsible social media use comes down to education and parental supervision more than any one platform.
The bottom line on TikTok and privacy
TikTok continues collecting user data for business purposes like ad targeting and recommendations. But recent policy changes show TikTok responding to criticism and regulatory pressure to improve transparency and consent around data practices.
Users should educate themselves on how TikTok utilizes data and manage privacy settings accordingly. While no social media usage is risk-free, informed consumers can use TikTok more safely.
