TikTok has updated its privacy policy to allow for the collection and storage of user data, including prompts and AI-generated outputs, and to leverage this information for targeted advertising both within and outside the TikTok app. This change expands TikTok’s data usage beyond the platform itself, potentially impacting the ads users see across the internet.
TikTok’s Privacy Policy and Data Collection
TikTok’s privacy policy now explicitly states that the service collects and stores data related to user interactions with AI tools, encompassing both user prompts and the AI-generated responses. according to the policy, metadata associated with these interactions is also automatically logged.
Detail: This data collection extends beyond typical user activity within the app,such as videos watched and accounts followed.The inclusion of AI interaction data signifies a broader scope of information gathering, potentially allowing TikTok to gain deeper insights into user interests and preferences.
Example: if a user asks TikTok’s AI chatbot for travel recommendations to Italy, both the prompt (“recommendations for travel to Italy”) and the AI’s response (a list of cities, hotels, and activities) would be stored, along with associated metadata like the time of the request and the user’s device information.
Targeted Advertising and data Sharing with Publishers
The primary impact of this policy change is an expansion of TikTok’s targeted advertising capabilities,extending beyond the TikTok platform to influence ads users encounter elsewhere online. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates advertising practices and data privacy in the united States.
Detail: Previously, TikTok primarily used collected data to target ads to users *while* they were using the app. Now,TikTok may share or leverage this data with advertising partners and publishers to deliver more relevant ads across various websites and applications.
Example: A user who frequently interacts with AI-generated content related to fitness might begin seeing ads for athletic apparel or gym memberships on other websites they visit,even when not actively using TikTok. TikTok explicitly mentions publishers as partners in this data-driven advertising ecosystem.
Data Privacy Implications and Regulatory Oversight
The updated privacy policy raises concerns about data privacy and the potential for increased tracking of user behavior across the internet. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the independent authority upholding information rights in the UK.
Detail: While TikTok’s policy outlines its data collection practices, the extent to which this data is shared with third parties and the specific mechanisms for ensuring user privacy remain areas of scrutiny. Users may have limited control over how thier AI interaction data is used for advertising purposes.
Example: Users concerned about their data privacy may wish to review TikTok’s privacy settings and consider limiting their interactions with AI-powered features within the app. As of January 24, 2026, there have been no major legal challenges or regulatory actions specifically targeting this policy change, but ongoing monitoring of TikTok’s data practices is warranted.
