TikTok will start collecting biometric data from US users
Most US states still don’t have biometric privacy laws
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Popular short-formvideo sharingplatformTikTokhas changed its privacy policy, allowing the company to collectbiometric datafrom its US-based customers.
The new terms in the app’s US Privacy Policy enables it to collect biometric identifiers such as “faceprints and voiceprints.”
The biometric data collection details were introduced in a newly-added section under “Information we collect automatically” area, which lists all the types of data TikTok gathers from users.
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Troubling collection
In its analysis,TechCrunchbreaks down the new terms into two sections. While the first part notes changes that will probably help with TikTok’s ad-targeting and augmented reality efforts, the second part that deals with the collection of biometric information raises eyebrows.
“We may collect biometric identifiers and biometric information as defined under US laws, such as faceprints and voiceprints, from your User Content. Where required by law, we will seek any required permissions from you prior to any such collection,” reads the troubling section of the new terms.
The statement is concerning since it doesn’t specify whether the platform will adhere to federal law, state law, or both. This is important because barring a handful, a majority of the US states don’t have biometric privacy laws, according to reports.
When quizzed byTechCrunch, TikTok failed to confirm what product developments required the insertion of the new clauses, though a spokesperson did reaffirm that the platform would ask for consent if and when it starts collecting biometric data.
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ViaTechCrunch
With almost two decades of writing and reporting on Linux, Mayank Sharma would like everyone to think he’sTechRadar Pro’sexpert on the topic. Of course, he’s just as interested in other computing topics, particularly cybersecurity, cloud, containers, and coding.
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