Dustin Gandof
TikTok and User Monitoring: An Overview
Introduction
TikTok has come under fire for reportedly monitoring users who watched gay content on the app. According to former employees, the company compiled a list of users who engaged with LGBT content, prompting complaints of censorship and discrimination.
The Allegations
The Wall Street Journal reported that TikTok had a “code word” to flag users who watched or engaged with content related to homosexuality. This data was reportedly used to inform the company’s recommendation algorithm, which determines what content users see on their “For You” page.
TikTok denied the allegations of censorship and discrimination, saying that the data collected was only used to improve the app’s algorithms and did not target specific users. The company stated that the tracking was done in an effort to prevent cyberbullying and protect users from harmful content.
The Implications
Many users and advocates have expressed concern about the implications of TikTok’s alleged monitoring practices. Some have pointed out that the app is used by young people and could be harmful if LGBT-related content is censored or suppressed. Others have criticized the company for not being transparent about its data collection and sharing practices.
The Response
Since the allegations were made public, TikTok has faced significant backlash and calls for accountability. The company has promised to review its content moderation policies and has pledged to be more transparent about how it collects and uses user data. However, many remain skeptical that these changes will be enough to address the underlying issues.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding TikTok’s monitoring practices highlights the complex relationship between social media platforms and user privacy. As apps continue to collect and analyze massive amounts of data, questions of ethics and responsibility become increasingly important. It remains to be seen what steps TikTok will take to address the concerns raised by these allegations, but the conversation around user monitoring and data privacy shows no signs of slowing down.
