TikTok's Latest Privacy Overhaul Sparks Concerns Over User Data Collection.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the social media community, TikTok has announced significant changes to its privacy policy. As part of its transition to new ownership by US-based investors, including Oracle, the app now collects even more detailed information about its users. This includes precise location data, which is no longer limited to approximate or GPS-derived locations.
Under the new policy, if a user gives TikTok permission to use their phone's location services, the app may collect granular information about their exact whereabouts. While other social media apps like Instagram and X also track precise location data, this change marks a significant shift in TikTok's approach to user data collection.
Moreover, users who opt-in to AI interactions with TikTok's AI tools now explicitly agree that their metadata, including prompts and responses generated by the tool, will be automatically logged. This change has sparked concerns among users about the platform's handling of sensitive user data.
Another significant overhaul is the expansion of TikTok's ads network. The new policy allows advertisers to share information about users' actions outside of the app, such as their activities on other websites and apps or in stores. Additionally, partners will provide TikTok with mobile identifiers for advertising, hashed email addresses and phone numbers, and cookie identifiers, which will be used to help match users across platforms.
These changes have raised concerns among users and experts about the potential misuse of user data by TikTok. As the platform continues to evolve under new ownership, it remains to be seen how these updates will impact user trust and experience.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the social media community, TikTok has announced significant changes to its privacy policy. As part of its transition to new ownership by US-based investors, including Oracle, the app now collects even more detailed information about its users. This includes precise location data, which is no longer limited to approximate or GPS-derived locations.
Under the new policy, if a user gives TikTok permission to use their phone's location services, the app may collect granular information about their exact whereabouts. While other social media apps like Instagram and X also track precise location data, this change marks a significant shift in TikTok's approach to user data collection.
Moreover, users who opt-in to AI interactions with TikTok's AI tools now explicitly agree that their metadata, including prompts and responses generated by the tool, will be automatically logged. This change has sparked concerns among users about the platform's handling of sensitive user data.
Another significant overhaul is the expansion of TikTok's ads network. The new policy allows advertisers to share information about users' actions outside of the app, such as their activities on other websites and apps or in stores. Additionally, partners will provide TikTok with mobile identifiers for advertising, hashed email addresses and phone numbers, and cookie identifiers, which will be used to help match users across platforms.
These changes have raised concerns among users and experts about the potential misuse of user data by TikTok. As the platform continues to evolve under new ownership, it remains to be seen how these updates will impact user trust and experience.
I mean, think about it... if you're already on TikTok sharing your vids and whatnot, why do u need all that extra info? 
Like, do we really need the exact location or is it just 'cause they can? 
And whats with these AI tools, u mean to say they're gonna be tracking every single interaction? 
That's just creepy... 
Can't we just have a simple social media app without all the bells & whistles? 
And what's up with the explicit logging of metadata from AI interactions? That sounds super sketchy. 
I mean, I know I'm always saying that TikTok is just trying to stay relevant, but this feels like a whole new level of creepiness. 
. I mean, we already know that our personal info is being sold to the highest bidder, but precise location data? That's just creepy 
.
. And now they're sharing that info with advertisers?! Ugh, it feels like they're just selling our personal lives on the black market 
. I'm definitely gonna be rethinking my TikTok usage... or maybe just delete the app altogether 
. This is some serious concerns right here 
It just feels like they're giving TikTok free rein to do whatever they want with our data. I'm not saying I'm against progress or anything, but can't we have some better safeguards in place to protect our user rights? 
. And now they're sharing that info with advertisers without even asking users for consent? It's like, hello, isn't that a breach of trust? 
. I mean, what if someone uses the app to, like, write a creepy poem about their ex and TikTok just logs it and sells the data or something? 
. Can't we just have a simple app that doesn't track us so much? Is that too much to ask? 
but at the same time, i kinda see what they're trying to do with ads on tiktok. like, who doesn't want a more personalized experience right? 
! I mean, I get that they need to make money, but precise location data? That's just creepy 
. And what about all those AI interactions? Metadata is one thing, but sharing all that stuff without asking? No thanks! 
. It's like, if you want to use AI tools on TikTok, you should have to opt-in even more explicitly 
This just feels like another step in the direction of losing our personal autonomy online 
, this is super bad news! They're collecting way too much info now 
. I mean, what if someone uses that against us? Can't imagine being stalked by some creepy stalker 
, like what we type and say? That's straight up creepy 
...and they're gonna use that info to sell us ads? 
one precise location at a time... i mean, what's the point of having a social media platform if it's just gonna be spying on us? 
Easy peasy!
and ai interactions too?!?! that's just creepy as hell 
what if its being used to predict our likes and dislikes or something? 
! Did you know that 70% of people on TikTok are under 24, so they're basically the new norm for online habits? 
Now, let's talk about AI interactions! According to a study, 40% of people are comfortable sharing their data with AI tools. But what does that even mean? 
this is literally the last thing i need on my timeline