TikTok's terms are uniquely problematic among social media platforms. These provisions have caused real harm to creators and users.
TikTok collects biometric data, keystroke patterns, browsing history, location data, clipboard contents, and device identifiers. The scope of collection exceeds any other major social platform.
"We collect information about the device you use to access the Platform, including your IP address, unique device identifiers, model of your device, your mobile carrier, time zone setting, screen resolution, operating system, app and file names and types, keystroke patterns or rhythms, battery state..."
TikTok Privacy Policy, Information We Collect
TikTok's content license is perpetual, royalty-free, and sublicensable. Even after deletion, your videos may be used indefinitely in TikTok's systems, marketing, and by third parties.
"You grant TikTok an unconditional irrevocable, non-exclusive, royalty-free, fully transferable, perpetual worldwide licence to use, modify, adapt, reproduce, make derivative works of, publish and/or transmit, and/or distribute your User Content."
TikTok Terms of Service, Content License
Your videos, voice, and likeness can be used to train AI models. This includes facial recognition, voice synthesis, and content generation systems with no opt-out mechanism.
"We may use information we collect to train and improve our technology, such as our machine learning models and automated systems."
TikTok Privacy Policy, How We Use Information
TikTok collects faceprints and voiceprints from your videos. This biometric data is uniquely identifying and cannot be changed if compromised. Multiple lawsuits have challenged this practice.
"We may collect biometric identifiers and biometric information as defined under US laws, such as faceprints and voiceprints."
TikTok Privacy Policy, Information We Collect
The For You Page algorithm has enormous power over content visibility with no transparency. Creators can be "shadowbanned" with no notification, explanation, or appeal.
"We may limit distribution of content that I consider to be inappropriate or harmful...we do not guarantee that any content will always be available on our Platform."
TikTok Terms of Service, Content
TikTok can terminate accounts for any reason with no advance notice. Creators with millions of followers have lost accounts instantly over vague "community guidelines" violations.
"We may terminate or suspend your access to the Platform at any time, without prior notice or liability, for any reason whatsoever."
TikTok Terms of Service, Termination
User data may be transferred to any country where TikTok or its affiliates operate. Despite "Project Texas" claims, concerns about data access by ByteDance and the Chinese government persist.
"TikTok may transfer the information described in this Policy to countries outside of the country where you reside."
TikTok Privacy Policy, Data Transfer
Creator Fund payouts are notoriously low and inconsistent. TikTok can change monetization terms at any time, and many creators report decreasing payments despite growing audiences.
"TikTok reserves the right to adjust, modify, or discontinue the Creator Program...at any time, for any reason."
TikTok Creator Program Terms
Using TikTok's sound library doesn't mean you have rights to use those sounds elsewhere. Cross-posting videos with TikTok sounds to other platforms can result in copyright strikes.
"Music and sounds available through TikTok are licensed only for use within the Platform."
TikTok Terms of Service, Intellectual Property
Despite age restrictions, TikTok collects extensive data from young users. Multiple investigations have found the platform failing to protect children's privacy adequately.
"TikTok is not directed at children under the age of 13. If you are under 13, please do not use TikTok."
TikTok Terms of Service (enforcement repeatedly questioned)
TikTok has been caught repeatedly accessing device clipboards, potentially capturing passwords, sensitive messages, or other private information copied to the clipboard.
"We may collect information from your device's clipboard with your permission."
TikTok Privacy Policy (discovered through iOS 14 alerts)
Analysis