TikTok reportedly tracked users that watched gay content
Social media giant TikTok allegedly monitored users that engaged with LGBTQ+ content, according to The Wall Street Journal. Former TikTok employees revealed to The Wall Street Journal that the popular video-sharing platform curated a list of users, which could be viewed by authorised staff via a dashboard, to monitor interactions with queer content.
The information collected also included ID numbers which enable TikTok to identify those who are engaging with LGBTQ+ content.
TikTok released a press statement reaffirming that user privacy and security is paramount to their platform: “Safeguarding the privacy and security of people who use TikTok is one of our top priorities.” Former TikTok employees expressed concern that the available data could create a list of “vulnerable users” across the globe, particularly in countries where LGBTQ+ people face increasing discrimination and violence.
According to The Wall Street Journal’s report, TikTok workers, in the US, UK, and Australia) raised concerns about this practice to higher-level executives in 2020 and 2021.
