TikTok recently changed its terms and conditions, allowing more access to user’s personal data, as of January 2026.
Under the new terms and conditions, TikTok is now authorized to collect personal data such as racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, mental or physical health diagnosis, immigration status and, financial and government-issue information, according to CBS News. This isn’t the only concerning thing about the recent changes. Along with the ability to collect this data, TikTok now has access to the user’s precise geolocation, a change from the previous conditions which stated no such information would be collected.
“I don’t think [tracking personal data is] something that an app [TikTok] should be allowed to do. That’s a bit much and I feel like it’s an invasion of your privacy,” said senior Elaina M.
Even prior to this update, apps and websites have always tracked personal information from its users for uses such as displaying advertisements. They allow the platform to show content customers may enjoy, which can help boost sales and views.
“They’re [social media platforms] certainly trying to display ads. They want to display a targeted ad so they want to collect information about your interests for that reason […],” said lead teacher of computer technology Justin King.
Privacy concerns among social media apps such as TikTok have been an ongoing concern for many, due to the amount of data collected. Features, such as Snapchat’s “Snap Map”, which allows viewers to see other people’s locations, raises alarms for many due to how much of their personal information is shared on these apps.
“[…] There’s some kind of agreement you’re making [saying] I’m choosing to use this and so I’m willing to let [TikTok] collect some information about me, but at some point we need to be aware of what information specifically they’re collecting and for what purposes,” said King.
This update not only affects users individually, but it can also harm organizations and clubs who rely on apps such as TikTok to raise awareness. Social media is an effective way to bring people’s attention to issues, or to promote events and products and with these updates, users may not feel safe enough to use the platform.
“I feel like it’s really concerning that they updated their terms and conditions to take a lot of our personal data, especially because a lot of kids in high school and middle school use TikTok as a form of entertainment,” said junior September C, Student Life secretary.
Some settings on TikTok like location tracking can be turned off, but many features unfortunately don’t give users the option to decide if they want their information shared.
