TikTok CEO questioned on collection of geolocation data

Introduction

In a recent congressional testimony, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew faced intense scrutiny regarding the application’s handling of geolocation data. Lawmakers expressed serious concerns over the potential abuse of this data, particularly concerning the safety of vulnerable populations, including survivors of domestic violence and children at risk of exploitation.

One of the main points raised during the hearing was the issue of precise and approximate GPS information collected from U.S. users. Mr. Chew stated that current versions of the TikTok app do not collect such location data. However, when pressed about earlier versions of the app, he acknowledged that previous iterations had collected precise GPS data from users in the U.S. He added that while it’s possible some users still have these older versions, the number is small, yet the implications remain concerning.

Lawmakers pointedly questioned whether TikTok had ever used precise GPS information to tailor user ads or feed data into algorithms. Mr. Chew expressed uncertainty about these specifics and indicated that he would need to verify details to provide a comprehensive answer, reinforcing the complexity of the issue at hand.

Further inquiries revealed that TikTok does not sell data to data brokers, either currently or in the past. Mr. Chew also assured Congress that the company has not shared U.S. users' data, or inferences derived from such data, with the Chinese government. Nonetheless, he emphasized that broad legislative measures are necessary to ensure the entire industry is held accountable for safeguarding user data.

As the discussion progressed, concerns were raised about the potential for foreign governments to gain access to U.S. consumer data through data brokers. In response, Mr. Chew reiterated TikTok's stance, stating that the company does not engage in selling data to third parties. However, he acknowledged that comprehensive measures are needed at the legislative level to protect user data across the industry.

This testimony highlighted the ongoing debates surrounding data privacy, user safety, and the measures companies must take to protect sensitive information amidst growing scrutiny from lawmakers.

Keywords

TikTok
CEO
geolocation data
congressional testimony
precise GPS
user safety
data brokers
privacy concerns

FAQ

Q: What was the main focus of Shou Zi Chew's testimony regarding TikTok?
A: The main focus was on TikTok's collection and handling of geolocation data and the potential risks associated with it, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Q: Does TikTok currently collect precise GPS information from U.S. users?
A: No, according to Mr. Chew, current versions of TikTok do not collect precise or approximate GPS information from U.S. users.

Q: Were there past versions of TikTok that collected GPS data?
A: Yes, Mr. Chew confirmed that prior versions of the app collected precise GPS data from U.S. users.

Q: Has TikTok sold user data to data brokers?
A: Mr. Chew stated that TikTok does not sell data to data brokers, either now or in the past.

Q: Is TikTok sharing data with the Chinese government?
A: Mr. Chew assured Congress that TikTok has not provided data, nor inferences derived from it, to the Chinese government.

Q: What measures did Mr. Chew emphasize regarding user data protection?
A: He emphasized the need for broad legislative measures to ensure the entire industry is held accountable for user data protection.