TikTok and privacy: never a dull moment

Even in this final month of the year, there are once again plenty of developments surrounding TikTok. We would like to inform you about two recent events:

1. One of our partner organisations, noyb, has filed two complaints related to privacy violations by or through TikTok. The first complaint is directed at TikTok and two parties that share data with TikTok, namely the tracking company AppsFlyer and the gay dating app Grindr. According to noyb, TikTok not only tracks users within the TikTok app, but also on other websites and apps. A user who submitted an access request to TikTok discovered that his use of Grindr was being shared with TikTok, likely via AppsFlyer. Initially, TikTok refused to provide full access to the user’s personal data. After further questioning, it became clear that TikTok knows which apps he uses and how he uses them. Through the Grindr app, TikTok also gains insight into his sexual orientation and preferences. Because TikTok did not adequately respond to his access request, the user filed a complaint via noyb with the Austrian data protection authority.

2. Dutch Data Protection Authority warns: TikTok continues to transfer personal data to China

   The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) reports that TikTok continues to send user data to China, despite a joint decision by European regulators stating that this is unlawful. TikTok has recently begun showing users a warning about this, but the AP emphasises that users should be aware of the privacy risks. The AP also provides tips to users and organisations regarding the use of TikTok. TBYP supports this and encourages users to make conscious (privacy‑minded) choices online.

These developments show why our action against TikTok remains essential to ensure that TikTok complies with the law. TBYP therefore also looks forward to the procedural hearing on 26 January at the Amsterdam Court of Appeal.