TikTok alters U.S. terms to expand ad targeting and location tracking

TikTok has updated its terms and privacy policies for users in the United States, expanding its ability to target advertising and to track the location of people who give the app permission to do so. The changes followed ByteDance’s decision to spin out an American TikTok entity on Thursday as part of a deal to loosen the app’s ties to China or face a U.S.

ban. The revised privacy policy says that if users enable location services, TikTok can collect approximate or precise location information; people can opt out through their device settings. Earlier wording archived on the Wayback Machine said at least one version of the app did not collect precise location information but warned that a different version with granted permission might collect it.

Terms on targeted advertising were broadened. A pop-up informed users the app would change how it used people’s information “to show you ads outside TikTok.” The new language says TikTok will use data it collects from users and third parties to show “customized ads and other sponsored content” both on TikTok and on other websites; users can adjust advertising permissions in the app.

Key Topics

Tech, Tiktok, Bytedance, Privacy Policy, Targeted Advertising, Location Tracking