TikTok, the famous Chinese video-sharing app, is not just for entertainment but also for collecting data. The app’s popularity is luring Czech companies to obtain data on customers or potential customers, but it has risks.
TikTok collects data on user behavior, interests, and preferences, which can be valuable to companies for targeted marketing. However, the app’s ownership by a Chinese company has raised concerns about the security and privacy of the data collected.
Experts warn that using TikTok for data collection could be a drug and a poison. On the one hand, it can provide valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. On the other hand, it could pose a risk to companies if the data is used against them by competitors or for malicious purposes.
Furthermore, using TikTok for data collection may violate data protection regulations, as users may not be aware of how their data is being used and may not have given explicit consent for its collection.
Despite the risks, some Czech companies have already started using TikTok to collect data. The app’s popularity, especially among younger generations, has made it an attractive option for companies looking to reach a wider audience.
Experts suggest that companies should be cautious when using TikTok for data collection and should ensure that they comply with data protection regulations. They also suggest that companies consider alternative data sources, such as customer surveys and website analytics, which may be more transparent and secure.
Moreover, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires companies to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting their data. Failure to comply with the regulation can result in significant fines.