The CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, recently appeared before the US Congress to address concerns about the app’s data privacy and security practices, as well as the alleged links to the Chinese government. TikTok, which was the most downloaded app globally in 2022 and in the US, has been under scrutiny for a range of issues, such as the excessive harvesting of user data, the sharing of data with the Chinese government, and its adverse effects on children’s mental health.
Although many social media platforms have been accused of similar concerns to those that TikTok faces, the app has come under heightened scrutiny mainly because it collects more data than other platforms and has a more powerful recommendation algorithm. Additionally, many people believe that TikTok poses risks to national security, as evidenced by the increasing number of countries, including India, that have banned the app from government-issued devices.
One of the main questions surrounding TikTok is what data it collects. Researchers at Internet 2.0 have reported that the app collects excessive data, including detailed information on the Android operating system and access to phone contacts. Moreover, much of this data collection cannot be turned off, and the company receives users’ approximate location even when they turn off the location service. TikTok also collects users’ transaction and purchase history, according to the Internet 2.0 report.
Chew has denied the accusations of data sharing with the Chinese government and stated that the current versions of the app do not collect precise or approximate GPS information from US users. However, users can still take steps to protect their data. For instance, they can use the official TikTok website in a web browser to see content while giving away as little data as possible. Additionally, users can restrict data sharing in the app’s settings by not allowing TikTok to sync phone contacts or Facebook friends and limiting ad personalization.
TikTok has also faced several scandals that raise questions about its independence. In December 2022, it confirmed spying on reporters as part of an attempt to track down the journalists’ sources. In June 2022, BuzzFeed reviewed leaked audio from more than 80 internal TikTok meetings, finding 14 statements from nine employees indicating that engineers in China had access to US data. Furthermore, China’s National Security Law requires Chinese companies to “support, assist and cooperate” with national intelligence efforts, which has raised concerns regarding TikTok’s data security.
Aside from data security concerns, TikTok, like many social media sites, struggles to protect children from harmful content such as bullying, self-harm, eating disorders, and other online risks. Recent Italian research found that 59% of the 78 eating disorder patients surveyed experienced reduced self-esteem by viewing TikTok content, while 27% reported significant changes in their daily lives.
In conclusion, TikTok’s CEO has attempted to address concerns about the app’s data privacy and security practices during his appearance before the US Congress. Although many social media platforms have faced similar accusations, TikTok’s extensive data collection and powerful recommendation algorithm have elevated its scrutiny. Users can take steps to protect their data, such as using the official TikTok website in a web browser and restricting data sharing in the app’s settings. Despite TikTok’s efforts, however, concerns remain regarding its independence and its ability to protect children from online risks.