The TikTok social network has categorized, for at least a year between 2020 and the end of 2021, users who view content on topics related to the LGBT community. According to former employees who spoke with the Wall Street JournalWhile the platform doesn’t require users to disclose their sexual orientation, it can still “categorize” them according to various tags based on the content they’re viewing. One of these “labels” falls under the LGBT community.
HE financial world Record refers to a “dashboard”, a table used by employees to see specifically what type of content is associated with which user. As is the case with most social networks, the collection of data about the interests of its users makes it possible to offer both targeted advertising and more relevant recommended content.
The company has defended itself against this practice. A spokeswoman said that the “dashboard” has ceased to exist in the United States for almost a year, and that “the data that represents the centers of interest of the users is not necessarily representative of their identity. If I look at a pastry chef who claims to be gay, I may very well just like pastries and not be gay,” he said.
unprotected data
However, listings related to sexual orientation are considered particularly sensitive, especially when coming from a community that is regularly subjected to harassment and discrimination. In early January 2023, the Chinese version of the app, Douyin, completely banned LGBT content.
Former TikTok employees have also raised concerns about these lists being shared with third-party individuals or companies. In addition, some who had previously worked at other digital companies told the Wall Street Journal that access to the “dashboard” was particularly permissive. Employees located in China also had the option to decide who could see them.
In the European Union, data protection regulations require that this sensitive data is not used except with the informed consent of the user (or specific exceptions).
Since 2022, according to the TikTok spokesperson, data related to Americans is only stored on local servers. This is in particular one of the conditions linked to the establishment of the TikToK USDS (the TikTok unit responsible for negotiating to avoid the banishment of the application in the territory). His manager has just announced his imminent departure. Revelation after revelation, the negotiation of a truce between the US government and the Chinese social network seems to be moving away.
Source: BFM TV
