TikTok has become one of the most popular social media apps in the world, especially among teenagers and young adults. In early 2026, TikTok required all of its U.S. users to accept a brand new Terms of Service and a Privacy Policy before they could continue scrolling through videos. The new update was to meet the federal regulations to avoid another ban. Many users quickly clicked “accept” so they could keep watching videos, but the new terms included important changes about how TikTok collects and uses personal information. Clicking that “accept” button just allowed the app permission to collect whatever necessary information, information that you didn’t know was going to be shared.
TikTok retains much information from individuals using the app. Information is either automatically gathered or gathered through details you ‘give out’ as a user. The automatic data includes the user’s date of birth, username and password, email address, phone number, and profile picture. If users allow it, TikTok can access their social contacts and track their location. It is said that it can track you within “meters” of distance, including your address or even more specifically the floor of an apartment. TikTok states this information as just something more minor, however it isn’t something to take lightly. All of this information helps TikTok decide what content appears on a user’s “For You” page. What everyone wants to know is why do you need that precise location?
Activities performed by a user, such as posting, commenting, sharing content, are stored in TikTok’s database once accepted. Furthermore, purchases made through the TikTok Shop will also provide personal information,including billing details and delivery addresses, and possibly credit card information.
Another major change involves targeted advertising. TikTok now explains that what users search for on other apps can affect the content and ads they see on TikTok. While users can adjust ad settings, many people do not realize how much of their data is being used to personalize their feed. These users that want to adjust their settings in general can not all be found on the app. In order to control tracking settings they have to access it in your phone’s settings app. You cannot turn off your location, only limit what TikTok can access.
While TikTok company leaders say it’s required by law, only when necessary. Many individuals say the “language” used in the terms is creepy and scary. Many TikTok users including Anna, a UGC coach, stated that TikTok uses “incredibly broad terms.” The terms are providing service level language when there is really way more to then what it’s leading on. Knowing that their information isn’t going to be sold keeps them more inclined to stay on the app but also be skeptical about being kept in a database. Because TikTok did say it’s not being sold but shared amongst their business partners. This is controversial because these so-called “business partners” can share it with whomever.
So next time you’re on the app, go through your settings and see what information TikTok is taking from you.
