Does TikTok Steal Your Information? What They Know About You

TikTok always knows what kind of content to show you that lines up with your interests. It shows you the music you were just listening to, recipes you were just Googling, and clips relevant to your life. So, it begs the question—does the social media platform know more about you than it should? Does TikTok steal your information?

Over the years, there have been many concerns about safety on TikTok. Creators have been worried about content ownership, while parents have questioned TikTok’s safety for kids. And it always just boils down to the same question. Does TikTok steal data and “watch” its users, as the rumors say? In this blog post, we’re hashing out the answers. Keep reading to know more!

Let’s Cut to the Chase: Does TikTok Steal Your Information?

Over the years, TikTok has constantly found itself in hot water with U.S. lawmakers about how it handles people’s data. The idea goes like this. TikTok is owned by a Chinese company called ByteDance. So, some believe that it transmits people’s information to the Chinese government. That’s why there are talks of the U.S. banning the app unless it is sold to a non-Chinese owner.

And it’s not just lawmakers who have doubts about the social media company. According to the Pew Research Center, half of Americans support the government banning TikTok in the country. This comes as more people are wary of data breaches and suspicious of social media apps stealing their private information.

They’re not totally wrong to feel that. TikTok really does collect a lot of data from its users, from their IP address to inferred interests. But does TikTok steal your info? No, it doesn’t. That claim might be a little too extreme. Yes, TikTok collects information about you, but it’s info that you hand over when you sign up on the platform. They never outright steal it from its users.

Plus, almost all social media companies do the same thing, too. Your favorite apps use your personal information to make your experience on their platforms much better. It’s just that TikTok is getting the heat from the government right now while the rest are quiet.

What Data Does TikTok Collect?

When it comes to rumors of TikTok stealing information from its users, the platform might be off the hook. Innocent until proven guilty, right? They don’t steal information, but the platform certainly collects data that might improve your online experience scrolling on TikTok.

So, how much data does TikTok collect? Well, according to the platform’s privacy policy, quite a lot. This info can be divided into three categories—information you provide, data that’s automatically collected, and third-party data. Don’t worry, though! All of this info is used to make your TikTok experience more seamless. Here’s what TikTok might know about you.

Information You Provide Upon Sign-Up

When you sign up for a TikTok account, you provide specific info the platform requires. This includes your username, password, email address, birthday, age, mobile number, and more. Pretty basic stuff that every social media company might ask for.

TikTok keeps this data about you to help safeguard your account. For one, they use the information to help you regain access to your account if you get locked out.

Technical Data TikTok Automatically Collects

There are also bits of technical information TikTok collects automatically from each user. That includes the likes of your internet provider, mobile carrier, IP address, and more. This data helps TikTok optimize your experience on the app and make it as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

TikTok also automatically accounts for how you use and engage with content on the platform. It makes a mental note of what topics and niches you enjoy. Then, it uses that information to tailor your perfect For You Page.

Info From Third-Party Sources and Partners

TikTok also receives info about its users from third-party sources, such as Google log-ins and other social media apps. If you click on links to advertisers’ websites from TikTok, that information is also sent back to the platform.

Does TikTok Sell User Data?

No, definitely not! TikTok’s privacy policy clearly states that it doesn’t sell any personal information about its users. So, there’s nothing to worry about on that front.

However, there is a caveat to this. If TikTok were ever sold to another company, they might transfer user data to the new owner. Otherwise, TikTok will safeguard its users’ information and never sell it.

Does TikTok Have Access to My Phone?

Yes, TikTok can access some parts of your phone, but it’s very limited. The platform can only access your phone’s features based on the permissions you grant. That means TikTok is only authorized to use what you allow it to use.

For example, when you create TikToks, the app might ask you for permission to access your camera and microphone. This is so that the platform can record videos using your camera and let you create voiceovers with your microphone. When you allow TikTok access to these, it makes video creation a lot smoother and easier.

TikTok might also ask you to grant it permission to access the following from your device:

• Location services so the TikTok algorithm can tailor recommended videos trending in your region
• Your camera roll for when you upload videos to TikTok
• Contacts to suggest accounts you should follow based on who you know

But don’t worry—TikTok has absolutely no access to sensitive information on your phone, like texts and call logs. It also can’t view your passwords or any private notes on your phone. Again, you have full control over what the app can access based on your permissions.

Can TikTok Track You Without an Account?

Yes, TikTok can collect data from people who haven’t signed up for an account. These include people who open links to videos on the platform or use the TikTok website to search certain topics.

But don’t be scared! TikTok can’t collect much about you without an account. They’ll probably track your IP address, the device you’re using, and maybe topics they think you’re interested in.

In the future, when you create an account on TikTok, they’ll use this information to build your For You Page. That way, all the content they serve to your screen is aligned with your location, hobbies, and more.

What You Should Actually Watch Out for on TikTok

So many people are wary of TikTok, but in reality, this social media app’s data collection methods are pretty safe.

If anything, TikTok creators and users should be more vigilant of scams and phishing attempts. Here are some things you should actually watch your back for when scrolling on TikTok:

• Fake giveaways: TikTok giveaways are awesome for users who want to win a prize for doing simple tasks on the platform. But you can get scammed by users telling you you’ve won a prize from a giveaway or contest. Instead, they’ll ask for money to pay for shipping and then never send out your prize. Yikes!

• Phishing links: Watch out for links that look like they’re a TikTok URL but actually aren’t, like “tiktok-vids.com” instead of “tiktok.com.” These links are phishing links. These pages are usually designed to look like the TikTok login page and ask for your username and password. Never give them this sensitive info!

• Romance scams: Some scammers will attempt to build a romantic connection with you over social media. Then, when they have your trust, they’ll trick you into giving them money. This is called a romance scam, and it’s getting pretty prevalent on the internet.

Feel like there’s something fishy going on with someone you’re talking to on TikTok? If you think you’re getting scammed, don’t hesitate to report that user for your safety. For the utmost protection, consider switching on your privacy settings so these scammers have a harder time reaching you. Stay safe out there!

Don’t Let Your Data Collection Fears Distract You From Growing on TikTok!

It makes sense to be cautious about TikTok, what with countless rumors always accusing the platform of sketchy data collection. While there’s no evidence of the platform unethically storing and giving out your info, it’s still good to stay vigilant. Watch out for scams, phishing links, and other dangerous things that can harm you and your TikTok account.

It’s a scary world out there. But don’t let your anxiety about TikTok’s data collection methods stop you from shining on the platform! Does TikTok steal your information? No! And as long as you’re aware of the app’s privacy policy, it’s generally safe to be active on the platform.

Struggling to grow on TikTok? Let High Social lend a hand! We use AI-powered targeting algorithms to serve your entertaining TikToks to the right people. That means more engagement on your videos and more genuine followers supporting your account. Catapult yourself to virality on TikTok and get more followers with High Social today!

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