Overview
- TikTok confirmed on January 22 that a U.S.-based venture now controls the app, with Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX holding a combined 45%, eight other investors 35%, and ByteDance 19.9%.
- The updated privacy policy allows collection of approximate or precise location if device location services are enabled, reversing the app’s previous U.S. stance against GPS collection.
- The policy adds that TikTok may store data from users’ AI interactions and can personalize ads on and off the platform using information received from third parties.
- Since the ownership change, users have been required to accept the new terms and privacy policy via an in‑app pop‑up to continue using the service.
- Practical user controls are limited today, with no in‑app toggle yet for precise location, planned prompts when that feature rolls out, iOS App Tracking Transparency offering partial relief, and privacy advocates warning that acceptance provides little meaningful choice.