TikTok recently updated its privacy policy page with a new ‘Image and Audio Information’ section. Among other things, it reveals that TikTok can now collect biometric data from its users. And, for some reason, TikTok hasn’t said why it needs this data or what it plans on using it for.
Since its worldwide launch in 2018, TikTok has exploded as one of the most popular apps on the planet. It allows creators to create and upload short-form videos, viewers can use the app to watch an endless stream of them, and the app’s algorithm does an excellent job at delivering curated videos to users through the For You page — TikTok’s home page that surfaces videos based on someone’s likes, activity, and interests. From funny sketches, informational videos, and everything else in between, TikTok has become a booming platform with no signs of slowing down any time soon.
While the success of TikTok can’t be denied, that’s not to say the app hasn’t been without its fair share of controversy. Most recently, the company updated its U.S. Privacy Policy to outline new types of data it can collect. To kick off the Image and Audio Information section, TikTok explains that it “may collect information about the images and audio that are a part of your User Content, such as identifying the objects and scenery that appear, the existence and location within an image of face and body features and attributes, the nature of the audio, and the text of the words spoken in your User Content.” Immediately after, TikTok explains that it can then use this to enable video effects, help with content moderation, and deliver more targeted ads — all fairly standard stuff for a social app like this. Then the section takes a concerning turn. Later on in the privacy policy, TikTok explains, “We [TikTok] may collect biometric identifiers and biometric information as defined under US laws, such as faceprints and voiceprints, from your User Content.”
TikTok Hasn’t Said Why It Needs Biometric Data
Biometric information — such as someone’s fingerprints, voice, or face — is highly sensitive and personal data. If an app or website wants to collect it, there should be a good reason why. At least right now, TikTok hasn’t done that. When asked by TechCrunch what it plans on doing with this biometric info, a TikTok spokesperson didn’t offer any additional insight. Instead, they said, “As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, we recently updated our Privacy Policy to provide more clarity on the information we may collect.”
Something else to note is how TikTok says it will get permission from users to collect this info. “Where required by law, we [TikTok] will seek any required permissions from you prior to any such collection.” That sounds good on the surface, but what remains unclear is what laws TikTok is referring to. If TikTok means state laws, only New York, California, Texas, Illinois, and Washington have biometric privacy laws. Elsewhere, the company could (hypothetically) collect biometric info without having to get user permission.
What makes all of this more noteworthy is TikTok’s already shaky history regarding privacy concerns. Much of 2020 saw the app faced with the threat of being banned from the United States over national security concerns, with other contries like India actually following through with bans. It’s possible (and likely) TikTok isn’t planning on doing anything nefarious with users’ biometric data, but that doesn’t make the whole thing look any less concerning. Here’s to hoping some more light in shed on this soon.
