TikTok is a popular short-form video app that allows users to create, share, and discover 15 to 60-second videos. The app has access to certain information about its users in order to provide its services. Here is an overview of the types of user information TikTok can access:
Account information
When you create a TikTok account, you provide basic personal information such as your age, username, password, email address or phone number. TikTok needs this information to create your account, authenticate you when you log in, and contact you regarding your account if needed.
Profile information
Your TikTok profile contains information about your account that is publicly visible to other users. This includes your profile photo, biography, number of followers/following, likes, video views and posts. TikTok accesses this information to display your profile to other users.
Contacts
TikTok may request access to your phone’s contacts so it can find friends for you to follow. The app will compare the phone numbers in your contacts list to TikTok users and make friend recommendations based on any matches. You can choose whether or not to grant access to your contacts.
Location information
TikTok can access your location information to personalize content and ads for you. For example, it may show you popular videos taken near your current location. TikTok accesses your location via your device’s GPS sensor or network location. You can opt-out of location-based features in your device or app settings.
Camera and microphone
TikTok needs access to your camera and microphone to enable you to record videos with audio. You have to grant the app permission to use your camera and mic. TikTok only records audio and video when you are using the in-app camera.
Photos and videos
TikTok requires access to your device’s photo gallery and videos so you can edit/post them to TikTok. It also lets you save others’ videos to your device. You have to give the app permission to access your media folders. TikTok only accesses photos/videos you specifically choose to access within the app.
Watch history
TikTok records information about the videos you watch in the app, such as the titles, creators, duration watched, etc. This watch history data is used to better personalize the content you see on your feed. For example, if you watch a lot of cooking videos, you’ll see more cooking videos recommended to you.
Search history
TikTok stores information about the searches you make within the app. This includes search terms, videos visited from search, creators searched, etc. Your search history helps TikTok improve search relevance and results.
Interactions
TikTok accesses data about your interactions within the app, such as the videos you like, comment on, share, follow/unfollow creators, etc. This helps TikTok better understand your interests and preferences to recommend more relevant content.
Device information
TikTok collects certain device data such as your device model, operating system, IP address, mobile carrier, screen resolution, battery level, etc. This helps deliver an optimized experience based on your device type.
Analytics information
TikTok uses analytics tools like cookies and pixels to collect data about how you use the app. This includes pages visited, buttons clicked, features used, errors encountered, etc. Analytics data helps TikTok identify issues and improve the app experience.
Purchasing information
If you make in-app purchases on TikTok, such as buying coins, the app accesses financial transaction details related to those purchases. This may include your name, billing address, payment method, transaction history, etc. to process payments.
Advertising identifiers
TikTok accesses your device’s advertising ID, which is a unique user ID assigned for delivering targeted ads. TikTok uses this ID to show you relevant ads in the app. You can opt-out of personalized ads using your device settings.
Usage information
TikTok records details about your overall usage of the app. This includes how often you use it, your sessions duration, features used, where you spend time in the app, etc. Usage data helps TikTok understand how people interact with the platform.
Draft videos
When you film a video but don’t publish it, TikTok temporarily stores your unpublished draft videos on its servers to make them available for editing within the app. These drafts are deleted after a short time if unpublished.
Messages
TikTok enables communication between users via direct messaging. Any messages sent/received between you and other users are accessible to TikTok in order to facilitate messaging services.
Third-party app activities
If you connect your TikTok account to third-party apps or services, TikTok receives information about your activities on those linked accounts. For example, TikTok can access your Twitter profile info if you connect your Twitter account.
Moderation information
TikTok reviews reported content, blocked users, information provided for disputes and appeals, etc. to moderate the platform and ensure community guidelines are followed. Any information you contribute for moderation purposes can be accessed.
Access permissions
TikTok requires users to grant access permissions to certain types of data stored on devices, such as contacts, location, storage, camera, and microphone. You can manage app permissions in your device settings at any time.
Parental controls
For younger users, TikTok offers parental control options like screen time management, restricted mode, and direct messaging limitations. However, parents can access information about their children’s TikTok activities and settings.
Downloaded user data
TikTok lets you download all your personal data associated with your account. This data that TikTok makes available to users includes your profile info, videos, messages, contacts, interests, etc.
Backups
Any data you back up either locally on your device or to iCloud/Google Drive can be accessed by TikTok for restoration if you reinstall the app or set up a new device.
partner ad networks
TikTok shares certain types of data like advertising IDs and app usage with third-party affiliate networks, advertisers, and partners. This allows them to also access user information for ad targeting.
Government requests
TikTok can disclose user data to third parties if required for legal reasons or governmental requests. Information accessed due to subpoenas, court orders, or other law enforcement requests.
Data protection practices
While TikTok can access a broad range of user data, the company does have practices in place to protect user privacy:
- Encryption – Data is encrypted in transit and at rest. User passwords are hashed and salted.
- Access controls – Employee access to user data is permissioned and monitored.
- Minimized data collection – TikTok aims to collect only data needed to deliver services.
- Limited retention – Unpublished videos are deleted within 48 hours.
- No selling data – TikTok claims it does not sell any user data to third parties.
- Storage localization – User data is localized and stored based on country.
- Data deletion – Accounts can be deleted along with associated user data.
Managing privacy settings
While TikTok collects a range of data as detailed above, users do have some options to manage privacy settings:
- Make account private – Restrict your profile and videos to only approved followers.
- Limit data collection – Disable access to contacts, location and turn off data personalization.
- Turn off ad personalization – Opt-out of targeted advertising.
- Restrict messaging – Limit who can message you directly.
- Manage visibility – Use privacy controls to limit content visibility.
- Clear watch history – This prevents tracking of videos you have watched.
- Delete account – You can request account deletion at any time.
Parental controls
Parents who are concerned about TikTok’s data collection from their underage children can use the app’s Family Pairing parental controls. Features include:
- Screen time limits
- Restricted mode to limit inappropriate content visibility
- Search limitation
- Restrict direct messaging with unknown users
- Turn off “suggest your account” feature
- Limit visibility of children’s account
Conclusion
In summary, TikTok accesses a wide array of user data ranging from profile information to watch history in order to deliver their services and customized user experience. However, users do have options like privacy settings and parental controls to manage what information the app can access. Understanding what TikTok can access enables users to make informed choices about their privacy preferences.
