Tiktok’s Data collection raises serious concern

TikTok's collection of user data is raising privacy and national security concerns across the world. From state bans to hefty fines for data misuse, video sharing app TikTok is at the center of a privacy storm over alleged intelligence gathering by China.

The age of AI makes privacy and control of data export even more important – AI will make data even more valuable, and the insights gained more frequent. TikTok has faced significant scrutiny over its data privacy practices, with concerns raised about the collection and handling of user data. While some argue that TikTok poses a threat to national security due to its Chinese ownership, others emphasize the broader issue of data privacy and the need for robust regulations to protect consumers' rights.

According to GlobalData, the focus should not solely be on TikTok but on the broader landscape of data privacy and sales practices. "The debate surrounding TikTok highlights the urgent need for regulatory measures to address data privacy concerns in the digital age. It's not just about TikTok; it's about how companies collect, use, and monetize user data across the board. Consumers deserve greater transparency and control over their personal information.

The growing importance of regulatory action is to establish clear guidelines for data handling and to hold companies accountable for their data privacy practices. By implementing robust regulations and enforcement mechanisms, policymakers can help mitigate risks to data security and privacy while fostering trust in digital platforms and services.

The US President Joe Biden has signaled that he will sign legislation banning TikTok or forcing its sale if it reaches his desk. The subject of data collection elicits strong opinions.

As the debate over TikTok's fate continues, policymakers are planning to adopt a holistic approach to address broader concerns surrounding data privacy and sales practices. By doing so, they can uphold consumer rights, promote responsible data usage, and safeguard digital ecosystems for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Experts say, “Ads are big business, and the objection will be that strong privacy and data sovereignty legislation will harm sales. At the same time, customers are becoming increasingly concerned about how their data is used – further data privacy regulation is inevitable.”

Going forward, with the increasing reliance on data-driven technologies and the proliferation of data brokerage practices, there is a growing need for regulatory frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and consumer protection.

Dr. Deepak Kumar Sahu, President & CEO, VARINDIA