TikTok and Your Privacy: What Older Adults Should Know
If you’re like many older adults exploring the digital world, you might have heard about TikTok, the popular app where people share short videos of dances, recipes, and everything in between. It’s tempting to join in the fun—after all, why should younger folks have all the laughs? But before you dive into the world of TikTok, it’s a good idea to understand how the platform uses your personal information.
At Gray Hairs Don’t Care, we believe in finding joy and meaning in later life while staying informed. Let’s take a thoughtful, easy-to-follow look at what TikTok’s privacy practices mean for you.
TikTok’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy reveal that the app collects a wide range of data—perhaps more than you’d expect. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Personal Information: When you sign up, TikTok may collect your name, email address, phone number, and even your contacts if you allow it access. If you log in using accounts like Facebook or Google, TikTok can also gather information from those platforms.
- Biometric Data: TikTok may collect “faceprints” and “voiceprints” through features like filters and voice effects. While they claim to seek user consent where required, this part can feel vague. It’s something to consider carefully if you’re cautious about sensitive data.
For more details, you can visit their Privacy Policy here: https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/us/privacy-policy/en
Who TikTok Shares Your Data With
TikTok shares your data with a variety of groups. Here’s who they might be:
- Corporate Affiliates: TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is based in China, which raises concerns about data being shared internationally. TikTok has repeatedly stated that it doesn’t share user data with the Chinese government, but the legal landscape in China makes this topic murky.
- Third Parties: TikTok shares data with business partners and advertisers to deliver targeted ads. While this isn’t unusual among social media platforms, it’s always worth knowing who might see your information.
To better understand these practices, check out TikTok’s Privacy Policy here: https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/us/privacy-policy/en
TikTok has faced legal challenges over collecting data from users under 13 without proper consent, which violated U.S. laws like COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act). If you have grandkids using TikTok, this might be worth discussing with their parents.
For more on these issues, Wired has an excellent overview here: https://www.wired.com/story/us-justice-department-sues-tiktok-kids-privacy/
Buried in TikTok’s Terms of Service is a clause about dispute resolution. If something goes wrong, you’d have to resolve the issue through arbitration rather than in court. This is common, but it’s good to know upfront since it limits your legal options.
For a closer look, read TikTok’s Terms of Service here: https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/us/terms-of-service/en
Why Are Governments Considering a Ban on TikTok?
In recent years, several governments around the world, including the United States, have explored banning TikTok due to national security concerns. Critics argue that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, could be required to share user data with the Chinese government under Chinese law. This has raised fears that sensitive information could be accessed or misused in ways that could compromise security. Additionally, TikTok’s algorithms and data collection practices have drawn scrutiny for their potential to influence public opinion and spread misinformation. While TikTok denies these allegations and has taken steps to store data locally in certain countries, concerns persist, leading to ongoing debates and investigations.
Now, don’t let all this scare you away from TikTok or technology in general! Here are a few tips to enjoy the app while protecting your privacy:
- Limit What You Share: Avoid linking other accounts to TikTok, like Facebook or Google. Use an email address created specifically for apps like this.
- Review App Permissions: If the app asks for access to your contacts, camera, or microphone, think about whether that’s truly necessary.
- Check Your Privacy Settings: TikTok lets you control who can see your videos and interact with you. You can even make your account private.
- Talk to Family Members: Share what you’ve learned here with your kids or grandkids. It’s a great way to connect and ensure everyone is informed.
At Gray Hairs Don’t Care, we’re all about helping you embrace the joys of later life with confidence and awareness. TikTok can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to walk into the digital space with eyes wide open.
Remember, technology is here to enhance your life, not complicate it. If you ever feel uncertain, don’t hesitate to ask for help or do a little extra research. And as always, we’re here to keep you informed with kindness, patience, and a little bit of humor.
Happy TikToking—and stay safe out there!
- TikTok Privacy Policy: https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/us/privacy-policy/en
- TikTok Terms of Service: https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/us/terms-of-service/en
- Wired on TikTok and Children’s Privacy: https://www.wired.com/story/us-justice-department-sues-tiktok-kids-privacy/