TikTok: A Discussion On Privacy
When discussing privacy, data protection, and ethical practices for collecting user information on social media, TikTok often becomes an immediate topic. TikTok began to gain real growth in users during the pandemic in 2020. TikTok gained its popularity through its algorithm and its extremely personalized FYP or “For You Page.” But how does TikTok gather the data to create a “For You Page”?
On TikTok’s website as of March 2026, the company states it collects the following data points to provide optimal usage for its platform:
Account information such as name, email, password, date of birth, profile image, and phone number
Any user content that is imported or exported from the platform ( images, videos, comments, livestreams, or texts)
Messages
AI Content (Both outside the platform and through the platform’s AI feature)
Phone and social networks (with users’ permission)
Purchase information (utilized through the use of the TikTok shop)
The site continues to state that the platform complies with the rules and regulations set by the CCPA. This act allows the right to know, correct, delete, or even opt out of sharing personal information with companies like TikTok. The app then states that it automatically tracks certain data when using its services, regardless of the permissions granted. These data points include cookies, usage information about the relationship between the user and the platform, IP addresses, and location information.
The platform's tracking of location information has recently come under fire after the company's purchase was split among three of the largest US investors following the platform's short-lived ban. One complaint from users who read the new terms and conditions for use when the app was brought back to the US market following the sale was the “invasive” precise location tracking. The concern stems from this high-level tracking not being included in the original terms and conditions before the ban.
When using a social media platform, it's important that both the platform and the user understand what data points are being tracked and how they are being used. In terms of recommendations, while I understand the allure and the marketing purposes of TikTok being extremely personalized, I think this also leads to alienation for a large section of users who don't want to be constantly tracked, especially to such extremes as tracking precise locations. I would recommend that the app take these users' complaints into serious consideration, as the app was functional and widely used before this change. Changing their location policy back to its pre-purchase state might actually help the platform and show that they care and are actively listening to their users.
Sources:
“California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).” State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General, 28 Jan. 2025, oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa
“Privacy Policy.” TikTok, www.tiktok.com/legal/page/us/privacy-policy/en Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
Picchi, Aimee. “Tiktok’s New Privacy Policy Is Sparking a Backlash. Here’s What to Know.” CBS News, CBS Interactive, www.cbsnews.com/news/tiktok-new-terms-of-service-privacy-geolocation-personal-information/ Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
