The collection and use of data underpins the attention economy and the business model of almost all social media platforms. This report explores TikTok’s data collection and use practices, as an example of how social media handles children’s data. It considers the consent and sign up process for children and young people, and how TikTok uses young people’s data to develop and drive their algorithms.

The report notes that without public transparency into how TikTok codes their algorithms, it is impossible to know what information is being lifted up and pushed down—and what consequences that could have for society. Stronger regulations and independent oversight are needed to ensure children and young people’s data is collected and used in ways that are in their best interests.

Key findings

• TikTok’s sign on process, and their terms and conditions, make it difficult to argue that younger users have meaningfully consented to their data collection practices.
• In a survey of 238 16 and 17-year-old TikTok users in Australia, 68% of respondents suggested that they did not think that they had offered meaningful consent to TikTok’s data collection practices
• TikTok will use data about young people’s activity on the app to train their recommender system to deliver questionable content, which can be in violation of their own community guidelines.