The policy explicitly mentions 'machine learning models and algorithms' and describes various automated processes like inferring attributes, content analysis, and moderation using 'automated means', which are clear indicators of AI usage.
training, testing, and improving our technology, such as our machine learning models and algorithms.
We detect and collect characteristics and features about the videos, images, and audio recordings that are part of your User Content, for example, by identifying objects and scenery, the existence or location within an image of a face or other body parts; and the text of words spoken in your User Content.
We infer your attributes (such as age-range and gender) and interests based on the information we have about you.
We review User Content and other information through a mix of technology (including through automated means) and human moderation to protect the safety and well-being of our community.
We also personalise certain features and content such as providing your “For You” feed, which shows you videos that we think you would be interested in
Detecting characteristics and features in user-generated videos, images, and audio, such as identifying objects, scenery, faces, body parts, and transcribing spoken words for special effects, captions, and moderation.
We detect and collect characteristics and features about the videos, images, and audio recordings that are part of your User Content, for example, by identifying objects and scenery, the existence or location within an image of a face or other body parts; and the text of words spoken in your User Content. We do this, for example, for content moderation and to provide special effects (such as video filters and avatars) and captions.
Reviewing user content and other information through automated means and human moderation to enforce terms, guidelines, and policies, and to ensure community safety.
We review User Content and other information through a mix of technology (including through automated means) and human moderation to protect the safety and well-being of our community.
Inferring user attributes (age-range, gender) and interests to show relevant information and personalized ads, and personalizing features and content like the 'For You' feed.
We infer your attributes (such as age-range and gender) and interests based on the information we have about you. We use inferences, for example, to keep the Platform safe (such as for content moderation), to show you relevant information, and, where permitted, to serve you personalised ads based on your interests.
Providing personalized content feeds (e.g., 'For You' feed) and suggesting accounts to users based on their interests.
Personalise features and content. We also personalise certain features and content such as providing your “For You” feed, which shows you videos that we think you would be interested in (see here for more information) and by suggesting accounts to you.
Automated enforcement of terms and guidelines, which may include age restricting or removing content, maintaining feed eligibility standards, or suspending/banning accounts.
We use your information to enforce our Terms, Guidelines, and policies (including through automated means and human moderation). This may include age restricting or removing content, maintaining our For You feed eligibility standards, or suspending or banning your account if we determine that you are violating our Terms or Guidelines.
Identifying and combating technical or security issues, spam accounts, abuse, fraud, and illegal activity.
Ensure the security and stability of the Platform. We use your information to ensure the stability and security of the Platform, including by identifying and combating technical or security issues (such as technical bugs, spam accounts, and detecting abuse, fraud, and illegal activity).
Detecting and collecting the text of words spoken in user content to provide captions.
the text of words spoken in your User Content. We do this, for example, for content moderation and to provide special effects (such as video filters and avatars) and captions.
The policy explicitly states that automated means are used for enforcing policies, which can lead to high-impact decisions such as age restricting or removing content, or suspending/banning user accounts. These actions directly affect a user's access to the platform and their content.
The policy states that 'your information' (which includes personal data like account information, user content, and inferred attributes) is used for 'training, testing, and improving our technology, such as our machine learning models and algorithms'.
Review, improve, and develop the Platform, including by monitoring interactions and usage across your devices, analysing how people are using it, and by training, testing, and improving our technology, such as our machine learning models and algorithms.
We use the information we have to understand how people are using the Platform and to develop, test, and make improvements to the Platform, including to develop and improve our technology, such as our machine learning models and algorithms.
The policy explicitly states that 'monitoring interactions and usage across your devices' is part of how the platform is reviewed, improved, and developed, including 'training, testing, and improving our technology, such as our machine learning models and algorithms'.
Review, improve, and develop the Platform, including by monitoring interactions and usage across your devices, analysing how people are using it, and by training, testing, and improving our technology, such as our machine learning models and algorithms.
The policy states that 'User Content' (which can be public) is collected and then used for 'training, testing, and improving our technology, such as our machine learning models and algorithms'.
We collect the content you create, import, upload or publish through the Platform, such as photographs, videos, audio recordings, livestreams, comments, hashtags, feedback, reviews, and the associated metadata (such as when, where, and by whom the content was created).
Review, improve, and develop the Platform, including by monitoring interactions and usage across your devices, analysing how people are using it, and by training, testing, and improving our technology, such as our machine learning models and algorithms.
The policy describes sharing data with service providers, partners, and corporate group entities for various operational purposes (e.g., storage, content delivery, analytics, R&D), but it does not explicitly state that data is shared with third parties *for the purpose of training their AI models*.
TikTok engages in extensive data collection and sharing with numerous third-party partners, including advertisers, raising significant privacy concerns. The absence of a dedicated privacy contact email, lack of CCPA support, and a very low internal deterministic score indicate substantial gaps in user control and transparency regarding personal data.
Carefully review and adjust all privacy settings within the TikTok app to limit data sharing with other users and the public.
Avoid syncing contacts or providing unnecessary permissions to the app, as this increases the scope of collected data.
Be aware that your data is extensively shared with advertisers and other TikTok entities; consider the implications before engaging with the platform.
If privacy is a major concern, explore alternative platforms with stronger privacy commitments and more transparent data practices.