The short video platform TikTok’s new privacy policy has raised concerns among the large user base specifically in the US.
Recently, China’s ByteDance finalized a deal with the US, in which the platform’s operations would be taken over by the American companies. Under the deal, TikTok’s algorithms will be retained exclusively on US user data to comply with American regulations.
Following the deal based on US-ownership, the app has also updated privacy policy, aiming to collect sensitive data including immigration status.
The users belonging to the US received an in-app message, stating that TikTok may collect sensitive information related to sexual orientation, financial information, or immigration status.
The terms and services also include the information related to religious beliefs , mental and physical health diagnosis, race, and sexual preferences.
Given the confidentiality and sensitivity of information, the users have freaked out, calling the terms unfair that could be manipulated in future.
One user wrote on X, “If you're in the US, delete your TikTok account lol...
No app should be taking this much data from you in the first place, they do not need to know any of this.”
Another commented, “TikTok's new update now allows the United States government and ICE to monitor users immigration and citizenship status, health status, sexual orientation and more. I will no longer be using TikTok.”
As reported by TechCrunch, this wording is not a new change as such language was part of TikTok’s previous policy. And these terms are obliged to comply with state privacy laws.
When asked, the tech companies are required to disclose what sensitive information related to the user they collect.
The paradigm shift in privacy policy comes when the US has already been reeling with political turmoil and immigration crackdown.