TikTok Continues To Collect Data On US Citizens Despite Privacy Concerns: A Simple Definition
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TikTok, the popular video-sharing app that exploded in popularity last year, has faced scrutiny since its launch for what many see as a breach of user privacy. The company has been under fire for its data collection practices, especially in light of recent news that it shares user information with advertisers. TikTok is a Chinese video sharing app that grew in popularity last year. It’s seen over 500 million downloads and 250 million monthly active users.
This is largely due to its unique features like audiovisual-driven mini videos and lip sync challenges known as “expressive videos.” Because of this, TikTok has been criticized recently for invading user privacy through its data collection practices and advertisements. The inquiry reflects bipartisan worries in Washington about the likelihood that US client information could track down its direction to the Chinese government and be utilized to sabotage US interests, because of a public safety regulation in that country that forces organizations situated there to help out information demands.
US authorities have communicated fears that China could utilize Americans' own data to distinguish helpful likely specialists or insight targets, or to illuminate future mis-or disinformation crusades. TikTok recently said it has moved its US client information to cloud servers oversaw by Oracle, from servers that TikTok controlled in Virginia and Singapore, and that it would ultimately erase reinforcements of US client information from those exclusive servers.
It is likewise in continuous discussions with CFIUS, a US government body made out of numerous organizations with public safety locale, about its future treatment of US information.
What’s So Concerning About TikTok’s Data Practices ?
TikTok has been criticized for its data collection practices, especially in light of recent news that it shares user information with advertisers. Many are concerned about the app’s child-friendly reputation, given the sensitive data it collects from users. TikTok collects data on users’ locations, device information, and IP addresses.
It also collects data from users’ social media accounts, has the ability to store photos in the app’s cloud, and has access to users’ contacts. TikTok is able to collect this information because it’s designed for users as young as 13. TikTok’s data practices have also raised concerns over how the app shares user information with third parties.
How Does TikTok Collect User Data ?
TikTok partners with data collection companies to collect information on users. TikTok can also collect data if users sign into the app with their Facebook account. The app then has access to users’ locations, friends, email addresses, education history, work history, device information, and IP addresses. Given its focus on younger users, TikTok partners with educational data companies to collect data on users’ education backgrounds.
The company collects this information through surveys. TikTok’s privacy policy explains that the app collects this data to “provide you with personalized content and information, recommend content and other products and services that may be of interest to you, and help advertisers understand their customers and enhance their marketing campaigns.”
TikTok Partner Program: The Root of User Concerns
TikTok’s privacy policy notes that it shares user information with third parties. But TikTok’s data collection practices have raised concerns over how third parties may use this information. This is especially concerning given that third parties include advertisers, marketing companies, and data analytics firms. TikTok’s most controversial data sharing practice is likely its Partner Program. As part of the Partner Program, TikTok partners with third parties to collect user information and monetize it.
TikTok shares this information with its partners. TikTok’s Partner Program has raised concerns among privacy advocates who worry that third parties will misuse user information. TikTok’s Partner Program has been under fire since its launch for violating user privacy. The program has also raised concerns that third parties may misuse user information and sell it to other companies. TikTok’s Partner Program has been compared to Facebook’s Partner Program, which has faced scrutiny for similar reasons.
Does TikTok Share Information With Chinese Companies ?
The implementation of TikTok’s Partner Program has raised concerns that the app would share user data with Chinese companies. TikTok has faced scrutiny for its Chinese roots, given the ongoing trade war between the United States and China. TikTok is owned by Chinese internet giant Bytedance.
TikTok has disclosed that it shares user data with third parties. It has also disclosed that it shares this information with Chinese companies. TikTok has defended this practice by noting that it shares user data with companies based in the US, UK, Japan, and Germany, as well. Given this data sharing, some privacy advocates and politicians have called for an investigation into TikTok’s practices.
TikTok Ads: A Breach of User Trust ?
TikTok has also drawn criticism for its advertisements. TikTok has sold ads on its app for years and uses this revenue to fund its app. TikTok has also used these ads to monetize user data. TikTok has raised concerns over its advertisements because of their deceptive nature. The ads may trick users into clicking on them and downloading the app.
TikTok’s ads also raise concerns given the sensitive data they collect from users. TikTok shares this data with advertisers so that they can better target their ads to specific users. TikTok also shares user information with data analytics companies. This data sharing has led some to accuse TikTok of violating user trust. TikTok has also faced criticism for its advertisements’ deceptive nature. TikTok has been accused of tricking users into clicking on its advertisements.
Conclusion
TikTok has faced criticism for its data collection practices, especially in light of recent news that it shares user information with advertisers. TikTok’s Partner Program has raised concerns that third parties may misuse user information and sell it to other companies. TikTok’s advertisements have also raised concerns given the sensitive data they collect from users.
TikTok has defended its data collection practices by noting that it shares user data with companies based in the US, UK, Japan, and Germany, as well. TikTok’s practices have raised concerns over how third parties may use this information. TikTok’s practices have also raised concerns given the app’s child-friendly reputation, given the sensitive data it collects from users.
