With the U.S. Supreme Court considering a potential ban on TikTok, concerns are growing over data privacy and the app’s influence. Many fear that the Chinese government could access user data or manipulate content through TikTok’s algorithm. But is this concern valid, and should you really be worried about your personal data?
The Real Issue Behind the TikTok Ban
According to Alex Hamerstone, Advisory Solutions Director at TrustedSec, the main concern for the U.S. government isn’t necessarily data collection but rather the app’s ability to shape public perception through its algorithm. “People are easily influenced,” says Hamerstone, noting that TikTok is filled with misinformation, from political propaganda to false health advice. This ability to control narratives is what worries officials the most.
However, misinformation is not unique to TikTok. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram also struggle with false information, yet they are not facing a similar ban. Meta, the parent company of these platforms, recently announced it would stop fact-checking content, opening the door for more misleading information.
Is Data Privacy Really at Risk?
Kevin Johnson, CEO of Secure Ideas, believes the proposed ban is more about politics than actual privacy concerns. “TikTok made some people angry, and they decided to ban it,” he explains. Some lawmakers claim the ban is to protect children’s privacy, but Johnson argues that it won’t effectively safeguard personal data.
He points out that banning TikTok won’t erase the data it has already collected. “Even if the app disappears from U.S. stores, the data remains. TikTok has no obligation to delete U.S. users’ information just because it’s banned,” he says. The data in question includes names, emails, phone numbers, search history, location, and even private messages—information that many other apps also collect.
The Bigger Picture: Data Brokers and Privacy Laws
A significant issue is the lack of federal privacy laws in the U.S. Unlike Europe’s GDPR, which strictly regulates data collection, the U.S. allows data brokers to gather and sell personal information freely. Companies track everything from shopping habits to medical history, making data a highly valuable asset. “Data is the new currency,” Johnson explains.
Even outside social media, many organizations share sensitive information. For example, many medical offices offer login options using Google or Facebook, which could grant these tech giants access to private health data. While social media data may seem harmless, other types of data exposure can pose serious risks.
Should You Delete TikTok?
For those concerned about privacy, deleting TikTok might seem like a logical step. However, Johnson questions whether that would make a real difference. “If you trust that deleting your account truly erases your data, then go ahead. But there’s no guarantee TikTok actually removes it,” he warns.
For content creators and businesses that rely on TikTok, deleting accounts could be a major setback. If the ban is overturned, they would have lost access to their audience for no reason. For the average user, removing TikTok won’t significantly impact overall data privacy since similar data is already collected by other platforms.
How to Protect Your Data Online
Regardless of whether TikTok is banned, there are ways to better protect personal data:
- Review Privacy Settings: When signing up for apps, pay attention to data-sharing options. Uncheck boxes that allow companies to share your information with third parties.
- Use Unique Passwords: Avoid using the same password across multiple sites. Hackers use stolen credentials from one platform to access accounts on others.
- Read the Fine Print: While most people skip reading terms of service agreements, they often reveal how data is collected and used.
- Be Cautious With Third-Party Logins: Signing into services with Google or Facebook might seem convenient, but it can expose more of your data than you realize.
Final Thoughts
The potential TikTok ban has sparked debates about data privacy, but experts agree that the issue extends far beyond one app. With data collection being a widespread practice, the real solution lies in stronger privacy laws and better personal data management. Whether TikTok remains in the U.S. or not, staying informed and taking proactive steps can help protect your online privacy.
