TikTok (ByteDance): Surveillance Profile

TikTok's data collection is deeply embedded in its core functionality, making meaningful opt-out extremely difficult without deleting the app entirely. If you choose to continue using TikTok, go to Profile > Menu > Settings and Privacy > Privacy. Set your account to Private to limit who sees your content. Under 'Personalization and Data,' disable 'Personalized Ads' and turn off all ad-related data sharing options. Go to 'Download Your Data' first to understand what TikTok has collected. Under Settings > Privacy > Interactions, restrict who can comment, duet, stitch, and send you messages. Disable 'Suggest your account to others' under Privacy. Turn off Location Services for TikTok in your phone's settings (both iOS and Android) to prevent GPS tracking, though TikTok will still approximate location via IP address. Revoke access to your Contacts and address book in your phone's app permission settings. On iOS, enable 'Ask App Not to Track' to limit cross-app tracking. Disable microphone and camera access when not actively recording. Crucially, avoid using TikTok's built-in browser for any external links, as it injects tracking JavaScript. Instead, copy links and open them in a privacy-focused browser. Clear TikTok's cache regularly through the app settings. Be aware that even with all these settings, TikTok collects keystroke patterns, device fingerprints, and behavioral data that cannot be disabled within the app. For genuine privacy, the only effective measure is to delete TikTok entirely, request data deletion through TikTok's privacy portal, and avoid any ByteDance products. If you must watch TikTok content, view it through a web browser with tracking protection rather than the app.