Social media app TikTok is under scrutiny once again, as former employees claim that the app monitored users who watched gay content. According to The Wall Street Journal, the video-sharing platform compiled a list of users who frequently viewed clips that were tagged under the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) category. The ex-employees, who worked at the company’s offices in the US, UK, and Australia, say that information about users’ viewing habits was compiled and stored on a dashboard.
This revelation raises concerns about user privacy and how tech companies handle personal data. Former TikTok employees who protested this policy expressed their worries that the information would be shared with outside parties or used to blackmail users. The Journal reports that the employees flagged the issue to top executives in 2020 and 2021. This begs the question: what else is TikTok monitoring?
TikTok has been scrutinized by US lawmakers due to its handling of user data and its Chinese parent company’s alleged ties to the ruling Communist Party in Beijing. Calls to ban TikTok in the US have grown despite the company denying that it provides the Chinese government with Americans’ user data. In March, a Canadian cybersecurity firm found that TikTok’s parent company was tracking the websites of dozens of US state governments.
TikTok responded to the allegations by stating that “safeguarding the privacy and security of people who use TikTok is one of our top priorities.” However, this is not the first time that the app has come under fire for its privacy policies. Social media companies such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube have been criticized in the past for gathering user data on their online habits for the purpose of tailoring targeted ads.
This news highlights the need for tech companies to be transparent about their data collection practices and how they protect users’ privacy. LGBTQ+ users should be able to access content without fear of being monitored or targeted by outside parties. It is crucial for tech companies to prioritize user privacy and security to ensure that their platforms remain a safe space for all users.
In the meantime, the LGBTQ+ community and allies can hold tech companies accountable by demanding transparency and calling for stricter regulations to protect user data. The fight for privacy is ongoing, but with continued pressure, we can make progress towards a safer and more inclusive digital space.
