On March 23, 2023, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew appeared before the House Energy and Commerce Committee amid intensified calls from lawmakers for a federal ban on the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform. Concurrently, reports suggested that the Biden administration is advocating for the sale of the company. In light of ongoing security concerns, TikTok has faced bans on work-issued devices by various government entities and several companies, aimed at safeguarding sensitive data.
The prospect of an all-encompassing ban on the app raises critical questions about data privacy risks linked to TikTok. Concerns persist regarding the potential for the Chinese government to exploit data harvested from its 150 million users in the U.S. Content recommendation algorithms also face scrutiny, sparking debates about their safety and implications. With widespread data collection a common practice among applications, new inquiries arise about TikTok’s methods and transparency in data usage.
Mobile applications typically gather data for a variety of purposes, including enhancing user experience. However, it often serves as a revenue stream, primarily through targeted advertising practices based on user data. This leads to pertinent questions: Does the application require the extensive data it collects? How is this data utilized? And what safeguards are in place to protect it from unauthorized access? TikTok’s privacy policy, often overlooked by users, raises red flags with its lengthy and opaque nature.
The policy outlines key personal details collected during account creation, including a user’s name, age, username, password, language preference, email, phone number, social media account information, and profile images. In addition to these, the app collects location data, clipboard information, contacts, website tracking data, and all content generated and messages exchanged via the platform.
While TikTok maintains that current versions of the app do not collect GPS data from U.S. users, skepticism persists regarding the app’s data collection practices. This skepticism has led to concerns from U.S. officials about potential access to user data by the Chinese government, particularly regarding its manipulation of content algorithms.
Implications of Data Access by the Chinese Government
Should data fall into the hands of the Chinese government, questions arise about its possible uses. The government could, for instance, share this data with domestic companies to enhance their profitability, paralleling practices by U.S. firms. Notably, the Chinese government has a long-term strategy in mind, leveraging collected data for advantage, which may unfold over several years.
A significant threat lies in the potential for the Chinese government to utilize data for espionage, specifically targeting individuals with access to sensitive information. The Justice Department is already investigating TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, for alleged monitoring of U.S. journalists through the app.
The government has also voiced concerns regarding algorithm bias and manipulation. Social media platforms, including TikTok, implement algorithms that adapt to user preferences to maximize engagement. However, without insight into TikTok’s algorithm, its content selection process remains a mystery. There are allegations of bias that may influence public perceptions and reinforce negative sentiments among younger demographics.
While some believe that the algorithm’s effects may be unintentional, the possibility of deliberate influence by the Chinese government heightens apprehensions regarding its capabilities.
The Feasibility of a Government Ban
If the federal government determines that banning TikTok is necessary, questions arise regarding the practical application of such a ban for its vast user base. Initial measures would likely involve blocking the app’s distribution via platforms like Apple’s and Google’s app stores. Although such a move could deter a segment of users, tech-savvy individuals may find alternative download methods.
A more extreme approach could involve compelling mobile giants like Apple and Google to modify devices to disable TikTok. However, legal challenges grounded in First Amendment rights could impede these efforts, complicating enforcement of an outright prohibition.
Moreover, the effectiveness of a ban remains uncertain even if enacted. Estimates suggest that the Chinese government may already have collected personal information on approximately 80 percent of the U.S. population through various channels, indicating that while a ban could mitigate future risks, the damage may have already been done.
The availability of personal data to the Chinese government and other entities with resources emphasizes the need for stronger data privacy regulations.
Your Personal Risk
As a typical user, one might wonder whether concerns surrounding TikTok should be prioritized. The ambiguity surrounding ByteDance’s data collection raises questions about potential harm to individuals. However, the most significant risks appear to concern individuals in positions of power, as their data could be exploited to gain access to sensitive information or compromise their associated organizations.
Of particular concern is the algorithm, which determines the videos shared with users. Its impact on vulnerable demographics, especially younger audiences, cannot be overlooked. Ultimately, families and guardians should engage in discussions about TikTok and other social media platforms to address their possible adverse effects on mental health and encourage critical assessment of the content consumed.
