Is TikTok really stealing data?
TikTok has once more come under fire for accusations of sharing user data with its Chinese HQ and with the government itself, and for having a negative influence on children, this time from US Congress.
As always, I realize these controversies tend to be quite complex: it’s never a black-and-white situation. There are political undertones to this whole affair, and it's important to remember that TikTok has become a serious rival to many US tech companies in the social media field. Unsurprisingly, Alphabet, Meta and Snap saw their market capitalization jump $47 billion on the day of the hearing, and a report predicts that if the TikTok ban goes through, that number would rise to $431 billion.
What we as individuals can do is resort to data and findings. So, what does the data tell us about TikTok?
Let’s start with privacy. We all know social media apps collect our data. We enter into foul play territory, however, when our data becomes a commodity to be traded or used by external parties.
Where there’s smoke, there’s often fire, and in the case of TikTok, some leaks and reports have indicated that the company team in China can access US user data and has done so in the past. One report found that TikTok’s approach to data gathering is even more aggressive than Chinese super app WeChat, which is a staple of urban living in the country.
All these reports are alarming, to say the least.
The rest of Congress’ concerns focused on the harmful impact the video-sharing app had on US youth. It’s certainly telling when you realise that the Chinese version of the app limits use for children under 14 to a mere 40 minutes a day between 6 am and 10 pm. Additionally, the algorithm is vastly different, promoting science, educational and historical content.
In 2019, the top dream career for children between ages 5 and 12 in the US and UK was to become a Vlogger or YouTuber.
In China, astronaut was the top choice.
In 2022, children in the US spent an average of 113 minutes per day on TikTok. In 2020, this figure was 82 minutes.
What makes matters worse is that most children are getting their hands on the app way before they meet the 13-year age threshold, causing them to be exposed to inappropriate content that, first off, often holds no useful value beyond hollow and cheap entertainment, and secondly, can possibly warp their expectations and understanding of the real world, cause them to develop issues with their body image, and more.
There’s no denying that Congress is certainly onto something with its fears.
Thankfully, there has been some improvement in the quality of content on the platform, as more content creators discover that there can be a real opportunity to impart value to audiences. I myself try to do my part in pushing engaging and informative content about topics like the metaverse, AI, and such.
TikTok could be a useful tool for growth and learning – China clearly sees the opportunity. It’s too bad that there is no such consideration for the rest of the world. Perhaps US pressure could lead to some improvement in this regard.
