Is TikTok's US Venture Set to Track Your Exact Location?

The recent changes to TikTok's privacy policy, following the establishment of a US joint venture, now allow the platform to collect precise location data from its American users. This modification is significant as it broadens the scope of data collection beyond the previously permitted approximate location data. The new policy comes amid ongoing concerns about data security and the relationship between TikTok's Chinese ownership and American governance.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

In a pivotal shift, TikTok's US joint venture has updated its privacy policy to enable the collection of precise location data from its 200 million users in America. This update was announced shortly after a significant agreement was reached that allows American investors, including Oracle, to manage TikTok's operations within the US. The move aims to address national security concerns while enhancing user data privacy protocols.

Key takeaways

• TikTok can now collect precise location data from US users, expanding its data collection capabilities.
• The joint venture involves significant investors, including Oracle and Silver Lake, while ByteDance retains a minority stake.
• Concerns remain regarding data security and the potential influence of China on TikTok's operations.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey leading to this joint venture and policy change has been shaped by a series of events:

• 2020: The Trump administration attempted to ban TikTok over national security concerns.
• 2021: The Biden administration continued to evaluate TikTok's security implications.
• 2024: A US law mandated that ByteDance must sell its US operations by January 2025 or face a ban.
• October 2023: The joint venture was established, culminating in the updated privacy policy.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest updates from TikTok include the ability to collect precise location data based on user settings. Additionally, the new joint venture is set to oversee TikTok's AI features, enhancing the scope of user interaction data collected.

What was already established

Prior to this update, TikTok collected location data based on users' SIM cards and IP addresses but did not access precise GPS data. Concerns regarding data security and the influence of its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, have been longstanding issues.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the immediate changes affect US users, UK consumers may also feel the ripple effects of increased scrutiny on data privacy. As TikTok continues to grow, potential regulatory changes in the UK could follow similar trends, focusing on user data protection.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses, especially those in tech and data management, TikTok's operational changes may create new opportunities in data security and AI management. However, firms must remain vigilant about compliance with emerging regulations regarding data privacy.

Policy and regulation

UK policymakers will likely monitor developments in the US closely. The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) may introduce measures to ensure that similar privacy changes do not compromise user security in the UK market.

Numbers that matter

• 200 million: The number of TikTok users in the US expected to be affected by the updated privacy policy.
• 20%: ByteDance's minority stake in the new joint venture.
• 1 January 2025: Deadline for ByteDance to sell its US operations or face a ban.

Definitions and jargon buster

• ByteDance: The Chinese parent company of TikTok, known for its global social media apps.
• Joint venture: A business arrangement in which two or more parties agree to pool their resources for a specific purpose.
• AI: Artificial Intelligence, the simulation of human intelligence in machines programmed to think like humans.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Monitor any further updates from TikTok regarding user data policies and how they implement changes in the app. Users should review their privacy settings to understand the new data collection practices.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Watch for regulatory responses from the UK government regarding data privacy standards and potential implications for TikTok's operations. Businesses should prepare for any changes in compliance requirements.

Signals to watch

• Updates from TikTok on data privacy policies and user settings.
• Statements from UK regulators regarding data protection measures.
• Reactions from US lawmakers concerning the effectiveness of the new joint venture.

Practical guidance

Do

• Review your TikTok privacy settings to understand what data is being collected and how it can be controlled.
• Stay informed about regulatory developments regarding data privacy in both the US and UK.
• Consider alternative social media platforms if data privacy is a primary concern.

Don’t

• Don’t ignore changes in privacy policies; they may affect how your data is handled.
• Don’t assume that all social media platforms have the same data privacy standards.
• Don’t hesitate to reach out to customer service for clarification on privacy issues.

Checklist

• Check TikTok's privacy settings and adjust them as needed.
• Research the joint venture's implications for data security.
• Evaluate your personal data sharing preferences across platforms.
• Stay updated on potential regulatory changes impacting data privacy.
• Consider using VPNs for additional privacy when using apps like TikTok.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Despite the new joint venture's assurances, concerns remain about ByteDance's influence over TikTok's algorithm and data security. The effectiveness of the US joint venture in safeguarding user data from Chinese access is still uncertain. As regulations evolve, it is crucial for users to remain vigilant and informed about their data privacy rights.

Bottom line

The changes to TikTok's privacy policy represent a significant shift in how user data is collected and handled in the US. As the platform navigates its new joint venture, UK users should remain aware of potential implications for their data privacy and the broader regulatory landscape in both the US and UK.

FAQs

What does TikTok's new privacy policy allow?

Under the new policy, TikTok can now collect precise location data from US users, which expands its previous capability of collecting only approximate location information.

What should UK users know about these changes?

While the changes primarily affect US users, UK TikTok users should stay informed about potential data privacy implications and regulatory responses that may arise from this joint venture.

How can I manage my TikTok privacy settings?

Users can manage their privacy settings through the app's settings menu, where they can adjust permissions related to data collection, including location services.