TikTok's Controversial Data Practices Raise Concerns about User Privacy

 TikTok's Controversial Data Practices Raise Concerns about User Privacy

TikTok, the popular social media platform, continues to raise concerns regarding its data collection practices. A recent senatorial inquiry into the matter has left many unconvinced by the responses given by TikTok representatives. The company's ambiguous and unconvincing answers have only reinforced suspicions of abusive data collection.

TikTok's Link to China:

One major point of contention revolves around TikTok's relationship with the Chinese government. While ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, vehemently denies that user data is shared with Chinese authorities, it is worth noting that ByteDance is a member of the Chinese Internet Society. 

The company's claim that users can download their data at any time conveniently omits the fact that this is legally required in France and that the resulting. JSON files are often difficult for the average user to comprehend.

Insufficient Measures to Address Addiction:

Another pressing concern is the addictive nature of TikTok. According to the Senate, minors spent an average of 1 hour and 47 minutes on the platform daily in 2022. TikTok's director general for France, Benelux, and Southern Europe, Marlène Masure, highlighted several measures aimed at protecting young users. These include deleting accounts suspected to belong to users under 13 years old, restricting access to instant messaging until the age of 16, and implementing a daily viewing limit of 60 minutes.

However, this notification can be easily disabled, and it remains unclear how many users actually close the app upon receiving it. Additionally, the introduction of Tako, an AI-powered chatbot designed to recommend videos to users, is unlikely to address these concerns effectively.

Restrictions on Professional Smartphone Use:

Since late March, French government officials have been officially prohibited from using social media networks, streaming services, and mobile games on their work smartphones.

The controversial data practices of TikTok have sparked widespread concern, with questions raised about the platform's connection to the Chinese government and its effectiveness in addressing issues such as addiction. 

TikTok's responses during the Senate inquiry failed to assuage these concerns, leaving users and privacy advocates skeptical about the platform's commitment to safeguarding user data and promoting a healthy digital environment.