TikTok's US venture has updated its privacy policy, allowing for the collection of precise user location data. This marks a significant shift from the previous policy, which only permitted the gathering of approximate location information. The move comes after a recent deal with ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese owner, to operate the app's US business. The joint venture, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, includes major investors like Oracle, which is heavily investing in AI infrastructure. The policy update also extends permissions for gathering data on user interactions with TikTok's AI tools, including prompts and content creation details. Despite concerns, the venture aims to secure user data with comprehensive privacy and cybersecurity measures. However, the deal has sparked questions about data security and China's influence over the app's algorithm, with Republican Representative John Moolenaar expressing his concerns.
