- Published on
Is TikTok’s data collection dangerously different | Al Jazeera Newsfeed
Introduction
TikTok gathers quite a bit of information from its users, including access to your camera, microphone, photos, videos, contacts, and location information. Additionally, it monitors your general online activity, or what is referred to as your "online behavior." However, this data collection is not significantly different from that of other major social media companies.
Beyond just social media interactions, TikTok also tracks users as they navigate the web. It employs a tool known as "pixel trackers," which are tiny images embedded in websites and sometimes in emails. These trackers signal back to TikTok about your presence on those platforms. This web tracking capability has recently sparked concern in the U.S., particularly when a Canadian security firm, Faroot, discovered TikTok trackers on government websites in states that had banned TikTok from government devices. The government claimed unawareness of the presence of these trackers.
This level of tracking is part and parcel of today’s internet landscape, dominated by companies that earn revenue through targeted advertising. TikTok, like its peers, closely monitors user behavior to generate substantial advertising revenue.
In response to privacy concerns, TikTok has proposed several solutions to localize user data. These include Project Clover in Europe and Project Texas in the United States—billion-dollar programs designed to store user data within their respective territories and to have local consultants oversee data utilization.
The key issue remains whether these measures will satisfy lawmakers, a question that is more political than technical. TikTok’s popularity stems from its engaging platform, which effectively utilizes user data. The fate of its continued operation in Western countries will be decided by political authorities.
Keyword
- Data collection
- Camera
- Microphone
- Photos
- Videos
- Contacts
- Location
- Online behavior
- Pixel trackers
- User tracking
- Government websites
- Privacy concerns
- Project Clover
- Project Texas
- Localized data
- Lawmakers
- Political issue
- Targeted advertising
FAQ
Q: What kind of data does TikTok collect from users?
A: TikTok collects data including access to your camera, microphone, photos, videos, contacts, location information, and general online activity.
Q: What is a pixel tracker?
A: A pixel tracker is a tiny image embedded in websites or emails that signals back to the company about your presence on those platforms.
Q: Why did TikTok trackers on government websites cause concern?
A: TikTok trackers on government websites in states that had banned the app from government devices caused concern because they could monitor user presence without explicit consent.
Q: What measures has TikTok proposed to address data privacy concerns?
A: TikTok has proposed Project Clover in Europe and Project Texas in the United States to localize and oversee user data within respective territories.
Q: Who will decide if TikTok’s privacy measures are satisfactory?
A: The decision will ultimately rest with political authorities, rather than being a purely technical issue.
Q: Is TikTok's data collection different from other social media platforms?
A: TikTok’s data collection practices are not significantly different from those of other major social media companies.