TikTok recently updated its Terms of Service, and while the app experience hasn’t dramatically changed, the update makes one thing clear: more types of user data are being formally acknowledged and processed.

That makes awareness and caution more important than ever.

More Data Categories Are Explicitly Covered

TikTok’s updated policy clearly lists categories of sensitive personal information it may process under state privacy laws. This includes information tied to identity, health, or personal circumstances when it appears in user interactions or content.

The scope isn’t new — but the clarity is. Users now have a better picture of what information may fall under TikTok’s data handling practices.

Precise Location Data Is Part of the Policy

One of the most significant changes is the explicit inclusion of precise location data, depending on device settings.

If location services are enabled, TikTok can collect and process detailed location information. That makes reviewing app permissions a practical step for users who want to limit data exposure.

Drafts and Unpublished Content Are Included

TikTok’s policy confirms that content can be analyzed before it’s ever posted.

This includes:

• Draft videos

• Imported media

• Edits made during creation

• Interactions with in-app AI tools

Anything created inside the app may be processed, even if it never goes live.

Advertising Use Has Expanded

The updated terms allow TikTok to use collected data for broader advertising purposes, including third-party and off-platform ads.

For users and businesses, this reinforces how content and activity can extend beyond the app itself.

What Being “Careful” Actually Looks Like

This update doesn’t require panic — but it does call for intention:

• Review location permissions and limit them if unnecessary

• Avoid keeping sensitive drafts stored in-app

• Be mindful of what’s discussed on camera or in captions

• Understand that content creation itself generates data

Small choices add up.

The Bottom Line

TikTok remains a powerful platform, but its updated Terms make the scope of data handling more visible — including location data and unpublished content.

Using the app safely now means being informed, intentional, and selective about what you create and where you create it.