TikTok's Immigration Status Collection: What's Really Going On?
Antara
TikTok updated its privacy policy, revealing that it may collect immigration-related information from users to comply with regional legal requirements.
The change surfaced amid heightened scrutiny over data practices, national security concerns, and growing regulatory pressure on social media platforms.
TikTok says immigration status data helps determine service eligibility, enforce safety rules, and meet obligations across different countries' worldwide regulations.
Critics worry such sensitive data collection could expose vulnerable communities to surveillance, misuse, or unintended access by authorities globally concerned.
The company clarifies it does not actively request immigration status, but may infer it through user-provided information during onboarding.
Privacy experts stress transparency, limited data retention, and stronger safeguards to prevent discrimination or profiling based on status risks worldwide.
For users, the update highlights the importance of reviewing privacy settings and understanding what personal data apps can collect today.
This move comes as governments worldwide push stricter digital regulations, especially targeting platforms with massive global user bases and online ecosystems.
Ultimately, TikTok's policy sparks broader debates about data ethics, consent, and how far platforms should go in collecting information responsibly today.