History of TikTok in Timeline
TikTok, known as Douyin in mainland China, is a social media platform owned by ByteDance where users can create and share short videos ranging from 3 seconds to 10 minutes long. It is primarily accessed through a mobile app.
1989: TikTok's Censorship of Tiananmen Square Protests
In 1989, TikTok's censorship policies are said to have been used to prohibit content related to the Tiananmen Square protests and massacre.
1998: TikTok's Censorship of the 1998 Indonesian Riots
TikTok's censorship policies in 1998 are said to have prohibited content related to the 1998 Indonesian riots.
2002: Osama bin Laden Publishes "Letter to the American People"
In 2002, Osama bin Laden published his "Letter to the American People," denouncing the U.S. and its support for Israel, and defending al-Qaeda's war against the U.S.
2016: "HandClap" Gains Popularity in South Korea via TikTok
In 2016, the band Fitz and the Tantrums gained a large following in South Korea thanks to the popularity of their song "HandClap" on TikTok. Despite not touring in Asia, the song's presence on the platform allowed them to reach a new international audience, demonstrating TikTok's ability to transcend geographical boundaries and connect artists with fans worldwide.
2017: Concerns Over Chinese Government Influence and Data Security
Following the enactment of China's 2017 National Intelligence Law, concerns arose regarding the potential influence of the Chinese government over TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance. The law's requirement for organizations and citizens to "support, assist and cooperate with national intelligence efforts" fueled anxieties about the potential for data sharing with Chinese authorities. These concerns, despite a lack of concrete evidence, have persisted and contributed to ongoing debates about TikTok's data security practices and the potential risks associated with its Chinese ownership.
April 2018: Douyin Introduces Addiction-Reduction Feature
In April 2018, Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, added a feature to encourage users to take breaks every 90 minutes to reduce excessive app usage. The feature was later implemented in the TikTok app.
August 2018: TikTok and musical.ly Merge
On August 2, 2018, TikTok merged with the popular social media platform musical.ly, consolidating their user bases and features. This event marked a significant turning point in TikTok's growth, contributing to its rise as a global phenomenon.
2018: China Introduces Strict Regulations for Douyin Usage by Minors
After 2018, under pressure from the Chinese government, ByteDance implemented parental controls and a "teenage mode" on Douyin, limiting access to whitelisted content. This mode bans pranks, superstition, dance clubs, and pro-LGBT content. Users under 14 were given mandatory screen time limits and required to link their accounts to real identities, preventing minors from misrepresenting their age. The differences between Douyin and TikTok sparked accusations from US politicians and commentators, alleging malicious intentions from the company or the Chinese government.
2018: Concerns Raised About TikTok's Privacy Settings and Potential Risks to Underage Users
In 2018, concerns arose regarding TikTok's limited privacy settings and potential risks to underage users. The platform offered only private or public settings, with no middle ground. Comment sections on videos of young girls dancing in revealing clothes were found to contain requests for nude pictures, highlighting potential misuse by sexual predators. While TikTok prohibited direct messaging of videos and photos, concerns remained about potential follow-up interactions in other forms.
2018: Cyberbullying Concerns on TikTok
In 2018, despite reports of less bullying on TikTok compared to other platforms, concerns arose about cyberbullying on the app, including incidents related to the Duet and React features and trends targeting specific groups.
2018: Alleged Access to Hong Kong User Data
In 2018, there were allegations that Chinese Communist Party members accessed device information and communications of Hong Kong users, specifically those involved in the 2019-2020 protests.
February 2019: UK Information Commissioner's Office Launches Investigation into TikTok's Data Practices
In February 2019, the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) launched an investigation into TikTok's data collection practices, particularly regarding children's privacy and compliance with GDPR.
February 2019: FTC Fines TikTok for COPPA Violation and Company Introduces Kids-Only Mode
In February 2019, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) fined ByteDance $5.7 million for illegally collecting data from children under 13. ByteDance responded by adding a kids-only mode to TikTok with limited features.
May 2019: Chipotle's Partnership with David Dobrik
In May 2019, Chipotle partnered with influencer David Dobrik on a TikTok campaign, marking an early example of a major brand collaborating with a TikTok influencer.
October 2019: TikTok Removes ISIL Propaganda
In October 2019, TikTok took down about two dozen accounts responsible for posting ISIL propaganda and execution videos on the app.
December 2019: TikTok Admits to Suppressing Content from Disabled and LGBTQ+ Users
In December 2019, TikTok admitted to suppressing videos by disabled and LGBTQ+ users in an attempt to mitigate cyberbullying, which led to criticism for censorship and discrimination.
2019: 43% of New TikTok Users Were From India Before the Platform's Ban
In 2019, before TikTok was banned in India, 43% of new users on the platform were from the country.
2019: #EduTok Mentorship Program Launch
In 2019, TikTok launched the #EduTok Mentorship program, a workshop series in several Indian states. This program encouraged educational content creation on the platform, demonstrating TikTok's efforts to promote learning and knowledge sharing.
2019: TikTok Censorship of Xinjiang Internment Camps
In 2019, The Guardian reported that TikTok had censored videos of topics not favored by the Chinese government, including videos about human rights abuses in the Xinjiang internment camps against Uyghurs. Though the video was restored, this event raised concerns about TikTok's censorship policies.
2019: "Old Town Road" Success Fueled by TikTok
In 2019, Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" became a global phenomenon, with TikTok playing a significant role in its success. The song's popularity on the platform, fueled by user-generated content and viral trends, helped propel it to become one of the biggest songs of the year and the longest-running number one song in US Billboard Hot 100 history.
2019: Hong Kong Protests and Data Access Allegations
The 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests raised concerns about data access and potential misuse of user information. Allegations emerged regarding the access of Hong Kong user data, particularly those involved in the protests.
January 2020: Check Point Research Discovers TikTok SMS Spoofing Vulnerability
In January 2020, Check Point Research discovered a vulnerability that allowed hackers to spoof TikTok's SMS messages and send malicious links to users. The vulnerability was later patched by TikTok.
January 2020: TikTok Accused of Hosting COVID-19 Misinformation
In January 2020, left-leaning media watchdog Media Matters for America said that TikTok hosted misinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite having a policy against misinformation.
January 2020: U.S. Army and Navy Ban TikTok on Government Devices
In January 2020, the United States Army and Navy banned TikTok on government devices due to security concerns, although some recruiters continued to engage through personal accounts.
March 2020: Charli D'Amelio Becomes Most-Followed on TikTok
On March 25, 2020, Charli D'Amelio became the most-followed individual on TikTok, surpassing Loren Gray. This event highlighted the platform's ability to propel creators to stardom and its dynamic nature, where popularity can shift quickly.
April 2020: India Requests TikTok Remove COVID-19 Misinformation
In April 2020, the government of India asked TikTok to remove users posting misinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 2020: Advocacy Group Files Complaint Against TikTok for Violating 2019 Consent Decree
In May 2020, an advocacy group filed a complaint with the FTC alleging that TikTok had violated the terms of the February 2019 consent decree regarding children's privacy.
June 2020: TikTok Users Disrupt Trump Rally
In June 2020, TikTok users and K-pop fans organized a campaign to reserve tickets for President Trump's rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, leading to a large number of empty seats at the event. This incident demonstrated the platform's potential for political activism and its ability to mobilize large groups of users for social or political causes.
June 2020: Conspiracy Theories on TikTok
Despite banning Holocaust denial, other conspiracy theories such as Pizzagate and QAnon thrived on TikTok, garnering almost 80 million views and 50 million views respectively by June 2020.
August 2020: "Ode to Remy" Sparks "Ratatouille the Musical" Trend
In August 2020, Emily Jacobsen's song "Ode to Remy," praising the protagonist from Pixar's 2007 film Ratatouille, gained popularity on TikTok when musician Daniel Mertzlufft composed a backing track for it. This sparked a trend where users collaboratively created elements for a hypothetical "Ratatouille the Musical," including costumes, songs, and even a playbill.
August 2020: Trump Orders Ban on TikTok Transactions Unless Sold
On August 6, 2020, President Donald Trump signed an order to ban TikTok transactions in 45 days if ByteDance did not sell the app, citing security concerns and potential threats to U.S. national security.
August 2020: Trump Extends Deadline and Orders ByteDance to Divest from TikTok
On August 14, 2020, President Trump issued another order, extending the deadline for ByteDance to sell or spin off its U.S. TikTok business by 90 days. Trump cited "credible evidence" of potential threats to U.S. national security, based on concerns about ByteDance sharing user data with the Chinese government.
August 2020: TikTok Accused of Tracking Android User Data in Violation of Google Policies
In August 2020, The Wall Street Journal reported that TikTok was tracking Android user data, including MAC addresses and IMEIs, which violated Google's policies.
September 2020: Dunkin' Donuts' Partnership with Charli D'Amelio
In September 2020, Dunkin' Donuts partnered with Charli D'Amelio, a prominent TikTok influencer, for a promotional campaign. This partnership further demonstrated the increasing significance of TikTok for brand collaborations.
September 2020: TikTok Works to Remove Graphic Content
TikTok worked to remove graphic content, including a suicide video, from its platform in September 2020. This video had been appearing in users "For You" sections.
October 2020: Shopify Integration
In October 2020, Shopify integrated TikTok into its platform, allowing merchants to sell products directly to TikTok users. This move highlighted the growing importance of TikTok as a platform for e-commerce.
October 2020: "TikTok for Biden" Organization Formed
In October 2020, an organization called "TikTok for Biden" was established to support Joe Biden's presidential campaign. After Biden's victory, the organization was renamed to "Gen-Z for Change," continuing its work to engage young people in political activism. This highlighted TikTok's role as a platform for political organizing and its ability to empower younger generations to participate in political discourse.
2020: TikTok Withdraws from Hong Kong
In 2020, TikTok was withdrawn from Hong Kong amidst concerns about data security and potential government access to user information.
2020: CIA Analyzes Potential Data Access by Chinese Government
In 2020, The New York Times reported that CIA analysts had investigated the possibility of the Chinese government obtaining user information from TikTok but found no evidence to support it.
2020: TikTok's Misinformation on the 2020 US Elections
In 2020, NewsGuard Technologies conducted a study about the quality of information on TikTok searches. The study revealed that a significant amount of the content identified as misinformation concerned the 2020 US Elections.
2020: Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" Revived by TikTok Trend
In 2020, Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to a viral skateboarding video on TikTok. The trend, which included a recreation by Mick Fleetwood himself, propelled the song back onto the Billboard Hot 100 chart after 43 years and also topped Apple Music charts. This event illustrated TikTok's power to introduce classic music to younger generations and revitalize older hits.
2020: TikTok's Policy Update on Adult Content
In 2020, TikTok updated its terms of service to prohibit content promoting "premium sexual content". This policy change significantly impacted adult content creators, leading them to devise creative ways to circumvent the restrictions while continuing to promote their content on the platform.
January 2021: TikTok Partners with UAE Government Media Office
In January 2021, TikTok partnered with the United Arab Emirates Government Media Office for a winter campaign.
January 2021: Italian Data Protection Authority Demands TikTok Suspend Unverified Underage Users
In January 2021, after the death of a 10-year-old involved in a TikTok challenge, the Italian Data Protection Authority ordered TikTok to temporarily suspend Italian users whose age couldn't be verified. TikTok then requested all Italian users to confirm their age as over 13. By May, over 500,000 accounts failing the age check were removed.
January 2021: Virtual "Ratatouille the Musical" Premieres
On January 1, 2021, a one-hour virtual presentation of "Ratatouille the Musical" premiered on TodayTix, featuring a star-studded cast and incorporating elements created by TikTok users during the preceding months. This event demonstrated the creative potential of the platform and its ability to foster collaborative artistic projects that extend beyond the digital realm.
March 2021: Citizen Lab Study on TikTok's Censorship
In March 2021, a study by the Citizen Lab found that TikTok did not censor searches politically, but it was inconclusive about whether posts were censored.
March 2021: Citizen Lab Study on TikTok Data Collection
In March 2021, a study by the Citizen Lab found that TikTok's data collection practices were generally in line with industry norms and its stated privacy policy, and did not involve the collection of data beyond what was disclosed or without user consent. This study provided some reassurance regarding TikTok's data handling practices.
April 2021: Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism Partners with TikTok
In April 2021, the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism partnered with TikTok to promote tourism for the city.
June 2021: Privacy Policy Update: Biometric Data Collection
In June 2021, TikTok updated its privacy policy to include the potential collection of biometric data, such as "faceprints and voiceprints", for special effects and other purposes. This update raised concerns among experts about the vagueness of the policy and its implications for user privacy, particularly in the context of limited data protection laws in the United States.
June 2021: TikTok Apologizes for Graphic Video
In June 2021, TikTok issued an apology after a graphic video showing a beheading went viral on the platform. The video was subsequently added to TikTok's blacklist.
June 2021: Biden Revokes Trump's Ban and Orders Investigation into TikTok
In June 2021, President Joe Biden signed an executive order revoking the Trump administration's ban on TikTok. Instead, he directed the Secretary of Commerce to investigate the app to determine if it poses a threat to U.S. national security.
July 2021: Dutch Data Protection Authority Fines TikTok for English-Only Privacy Statements
In July 2021, the Dutch Data Protection Authority fined TikTok €750,000 for providing privacy statements exclusively in English. Despite positive measures like forbidding direct messaging for users under 16 and allowing parental control via paired accounts, the risk of children pretending to be older during account creation remained.
September 2021: Irish DPC Launches Investigations into TikTok's Data Protection Practices
In September 2021, the Ireland Data Protection Commission (DPC) initiated investigations into TikTok concerning the protection of children's data and the transfer of personal data to China.
October 2021: US Lawmakers Question TikTok on Data Privacy and Content Moderation
In October 2021, amidst growing concerns about social media ethics, US lawmakers questioned TikTok, along with YouTube and Snapchat, on issues related to data privacy and content moderation. Lawmakers specifically scrutinized TikTok's data sharing practices with the Chinese government. TikTok asserted that it does not provide data to the Chinese government and that US user data is stored within the country, with backups in Singapore. These inquiries highlighted the increasing scrutiny faced by social media platforms regarding data security, user privacy, and content moderation practices.
2021: TikTok's Election Centers
Starting in 2021, TikTok implemented "election centres" on its platform in the lead-up to European Parliament elections, demonstrating its growing role in political discourse and information dissemination.
2021: Reports of Harmful Content Recommendations and Lawsuits
In 2021, reports emerged about accounts engaging with content related to suicide, self-harm, or eating disorders being shown more similar videos. TikTok faced lawsuits pertaining to wrongful deaths and worked to break up these "rabbit holes" of recommendations, providing mental health resources for certain searches.
2021: Introduction of Bedtime Notification Limits
In 2021, TikTok revealed a new feature to prevent teenagers from receiving notifications past their bedtime, with different cutoff times based on age.
2021: TikTok Initiates Project Texas to Address US Government Security Concerns
In 2021, TikTok launched Project Texas to address security concerns raised by the US government. The project aims to silo privileged user data within the United States and enhance data security measures.
2021: TikTok's Popularity Among Gen Z
In 2021, 41% of TikTok users, identified as Generation Z, were between the ages of 16 and 24. 90% of these users reported daily usage.
2021: BookTok Trend Drives Literature Sales and Influencer Marketing on TikTok
In 2021, viral TikTok videos tagged with "BookTok" emerged, featuring young people sharing the emotional impact of books. This trend significantly boosted literature sales, prompting publishers to increasingly utilize TikTok for influencer marketing.
February 2022: Concerns Over Sexualized Content and Mental Health of Teen Girls
In February 2022, The Wall Street Journal reported growing concerns among mental health professionals about the effects on teen girls of posting sexualized TikTok videos.
February 2022: Texas Attorney General Investigates TikTok for Alleged Child Privacy Violations and Human Trafficking Facilitation
In February 2022, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into TikTok, alleging violations of children's privacy and facilitation of human trafficking based on content found on the platform. TikTok denied these claims.
March 2022: TikTok Implements Restrictions on Russian Posts and Livestreams Amidst Censorship Laws
In March 2022, following the implementation of new Russian war censorship laws, TikTok announced a series of restrictions on posts and livestreams from both Russian and non-Russian users. A technical glitch allowed pro-Russia posters to exploit these restrictions. While TikTok patched the loopholes, the initial failure and the impact of the Kremlin's "fake news" laws contributed to a pro-war content environment in Russia. TikTok removed over 200 accounts for manipulating public opinion and over 40,000 videos for violating misinformation policies.
March 2022: Investigation into TikTok's Impact on Children's Mental Health
In March 2022, a coalition of U.S. state attorneys general launched an investigation into TikTok's effect on children's mental health.
March 2022: TikTok Settles COPPA Class Action Lawsuit for $1.1 Million
In March 2022, TikTok settled a class action lawsuit for $1.1 million, addressing allegations of violations of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
May 2022: TikTok Pulse Ad Revenue-Sharing Program Launch
In May 2022, TikTok launched TikTok Pulse, a program designed to share ad revenue with eligible creators. It covers the top 4% of all videos on the platform and offers creators with over 100,000 followers a 50% share of the revenue from ads displayed alongside their high-performing videos.
June 2022: FeetFinder undisclosed ads controversy
In June 2022, reports surfaced about influencers on TikTok promoting foot fetish content on FeetFinder without disclosing their videos as ads. While FeetFinder claims to have encouraged transparency, the incident sparked criticism and raised concerns about unethical advertising practices on the platform.
June 2022: Introduction of Screen Time Management Features
In June 2022, TikTok introduced features allowing users to set maximum uninterrupted screen time allowances, blocking access to the feed after the limit is reached. The app also provided a dashboard with usage statistics.
June 2022: FCC Commissioner Calls for TikTok's Removal from App Stores
In June 2022, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr urged Google and Apple to remove TikTok from their app stores due to concerns about sensitive data being accessed from Beijing.
June 2022: Khaby Lame Surpasses Charli D'Amelio
On June 23, 2022, Khaby Lame surpassed Charli D'Amelio to become the most-followed individual on TikTok, demonstrating the platform's ongoing evolution and the rise of new stars. This event reflected the ever-changing landscape of online fame and the increasing global reach of TikTok.
June 2022: Leaked Audio Recordings Reveal China's Access to TikTok's Overseas Data
In June 2022, leaked audio recordings of internal TikTok meetings revealed that employees in China had access to overseas data, including a "master admin" who could see "everything." This sparked concerns about data security and potential misuse of user information.
August 2022: Keylogger Functionality Found in TikTok's In-App Browser
In August 2022, security researcher Felix Krause discovered code for keylogger functionality in TikTok's in-app browser, raising concerns about potential data tracking. TikTok stated that the code was disabled.
September 2022: NewsGuard Reports on TikTok Misinformation
In September 2022, NewsGuard Technologies reported that nearly 20% of the TikTok searches they analyzed from the U.S. surfaced misinformation, including content about COVID-19 vaccines, the 2020 US elections, and other sensitive topics.
October 2022: Report Reveals ByteDance's Plan to Surveil US Citizens
In October 2022, a report surfaced revealing that a team at ByteDance planned to surveil certain US citizens. TikTok denied the feasibility of the alleged tracking method due to the platform's data collection practices.
November 2022: FBI Director Raises Concerns about TikTok's Potential for Influence Operations
In November 2022, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray expressed concerns that the Chinese government could use TikTok for influence operations, aiming to sway the opinions or behaviors of its users.
November 2022: European Privacy Policy Update: Global Employee Access
In November 2022, TikTok updated its European privacy policy, stating that ByteDance employees globally, including those in China, could remotely access user data from European accounts based on "demonstrated need". This policy change sparked renewed concerns about the potential for data sharing with the Chinese government and the overall security of user data on the platform.
November 2022: Global Shortage of Ozempic Diabetes Medication
In November 2022, Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) reported a global shortage of the diabetes medication Ozempic, attributed to increased off-label prescription for weight loss.
December 2022: ByteDance Confirms Access to Journalists' Data
In December 2022, ByteDance confirmed that employees from China and the United States had accessed the data of two journalists and their close contacts. The company stated the intent was to uncover sources of leaks, and four employees were fired in response.
December 2022: US Government Bans TikTok on Federal Devices
In December 2022, President Joe Biden signed the No TikTok on Government Devices Act, prohibiting the use of the app on devices owned by the federal government, with some exceptions.
December 2022: NBC News Exposes Free Cosmetic Surgeries for TikTok and YouTube Influencers
In December 2022, an NBC News television segment revealed that some TikTok and YouTube influencers were receiving free or discounted cosmetic surgeries in exchange for promoting these procedures to their followers.
December 2022: TikTok Trend Contributes to Ozempic and Wegovy Demand
In December 2022, with the U.S. experiencing an Ozempic shortage, reports linked the increased demand to a weight loss trend on TikTok, where videos about the drug garnered over 360 million views. Wegovy, a weight loss drug, also gained popularity after Elon Musk's endorsement.
December 2022: TikTok Banned from U.S. House of Representatives Devices
On December 27, 2022, the Chief Administrative Officer of the United States House of Representatives banned TikTok from all devices managed by the House, citing security concerns.
2022: Former Employee Departs Before Project Texas Finalization
In 2022, a former employee who expressed concerns about Project Texas left the company before the project's specifications were finalized. Their departure sparked debate about the effectiveness and scope of Project Texas.
2022: TikTok Launches Midterms Elections Center
To combat misinformation during the 2022 midterm election in the US, TikTok announced a midterms Elections Center in 40 different languages. Partnering with the National Association of Secretaries of State, TikTok aimed to give users accurate local information.
2022: Ban on Political Fundraising
In 2022, TikTok prohibited political fundraising on its platform, aiming to prevent potential misuse and maintain a focus on entertainment and community-driven content.
2022: TikTok Accounts Used for Targeted Propaganda During US Elections
During the 2022 United States elections, TikTok accounts linked to a Chinese propaganda arm reportedly targeted candidates. This raised concerns about the platform being used for political manipulation and foreign interference.
2022: Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" Goes Viral
In 2022, Kate Bush's song "Running Up That Hill" went viral on TikTok, driven by its inclusion in the popular Netflix series Stranger Things. The renewed interest from younger audiences, fueled by trends and fan videos, pushed the song to the top of the UK singles chart 37 years after its initial release, showcasing TikTok's ability to revive classic songs and introduce them to a new generation.
2022: Biden Administration Utilizes TikTok for Information Dissemination
Since 2022, the Biden administration has engaged with TikTok creators to disseminate information on key issues like the Russian invasion of Ukraine and student debt relief. This strategy reflected the administration's recognition of TikTok's reach and influence as a communication tool.
2022: TikTok Removes Hate Speech in Malaysia
In 2022, TikTok responded to users in Malaysia engaging in hate speech, particularly referencing the 13 May incident, by taking down videos with content that violated their community guidelines.
2022: Turkish Financial Crimes Board Investigates TikTok for Potential Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing
In 2022, Turkey's Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) initiated an investigation into TikTok related to large fund transfers suspected of being linked to money laundering or terrorism financing.
2022: "De-influencing" Trend Emerges on TikTok as a Backlash Against Influencer Marketing
In 2022, a trend called "de-influencing" gained popularity on TikTok as a response to influencer marketing. Creators participating in this trend created videos criticizing products promoted by influencers and encouraging their audiences to avoid unnecessary purchases. However, some creators started using this trend to promote alternative products and earn commissions through affiliate links, replicating the methods of the influencers they initially criticized.
2022: TikTok Usage Statistics and Demographics in Q1 2022
In the first quarter of 2022, TikTok had over 100 million monthly active users in the United States and 23 million in the UK. Users spent an average of 1 hour and 25 minutes per day on the app, opening it 17 times. Analysis of TikTok's top 100 male creators showed 67% were white, with 54% possessing near-perfect facial symmetry.
February 2023: Over Half of US States Ban TikTok on Government Devices
As of February 2023, at least 32 (of 50) states have announced or enacted bans on state government agencies, employees, and contractors using TikTok on government-issued devices.
February 2023: Calls to Block TikTok in East Jerusalem Due to Palestinian Content
In February 2023, Otzma Yehudit politician Almog Cohen advocated blocking TikTok for all of East Jerusalem, following reports of Palestinians using the platform to promote their cause and the Palestinian militant group Lion's Den gaining popularity through TikTok. Israeli analyst Yoni Ben-Menachem called the app a "tool of dangerous influence" inciting violence against Israelis.
February 2023: Canadian Privacy Commissioner Launches Investigation into TikTok's Data Collection Practices
In February 2023, the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, along with counterparts in Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec, launched an investigation into TikTok's data collection practices and user privacy.
March 2023: TikTok Implements Default Screen Time Limits for Users Under 18
In March 2023, TikTok introduced default screen time limits for users under the age of 18. Users under 13 need a parental passcode to extend their time.
March 2023: Debate Over the Effectiveness of Project Texas
In March 2023, a former employee expressed concerns that Project Texas was insufficient to address data security risks, suggesting a complete re-engineering was necessary. TikTok defended the project, stating it was a significant overhaul of the app.
March 2023: TikTok Removes Neo-Nazi Propaganda
In March 2023, TikTok removed videos promoting the neo-Nazi propaganda film Europa: The Last Battle, blocked the search term, and took down associated accounts after being alerted to the issue four months prior.
March 2023: Default Screen Time Limits for Users Under 18
In March 2023, TikTok announced default screen time limits for users under the age of 18.
April 2023: ICO Fines TikTok £12.7 Million for Misusing Children's Data
In April 2023, the ICO imposed a £12.7 million fine on TikTok for violating UK data protection laws by misusing children's data.
May 2023: Former ByteDance Employee Files Lawsuit Alleging Access to Hong Kong User Data
In May 2023, a former ByteDance employee filed a lawsuit alleging that Chinese Communist Party members accessed Hong Kong users' device information and communications, particularly those of demonstrators in the 2019–2020 protests.
May 2023: Allegations of Tracking Users Viewing LGBT Content
In May 2023, reports surfaced alleging that TikTok had tracked users who viewed LGBT-related content. While the company maintained that its algorithm tracked interests rather than identity, the allegations raised concerns about potential discrimination and privacy violations.
June 2023: TikTok Removes Gang-Related Content in New Zealand and Australia
In June 2023, TikTok, working in cooperation with both New Zealand and Australian police, deleted 340 accounts and 2,000 videos associated with criminal gangs, including the Mongrel Mob, Black Power, Killer Beez, the Comancheros, Mongols, and Rebels.
June 2023: TikTok Confirms Storage of American Content Creators' Financial Information in China
In June 2023, TikTok confirmed that some financial information of American content creators, including tax forms and Social Security numbers, is stored in China, raising concerns about data security and potential misuse.
July 2023: TikTok Becomes Primary News Source for British Teenagers
By July 2023, TikTok became the main source of news for British teenagers on social media, with 28% of 12-15 year olds relying on the platform. However, traditional sources like BBC One/Two remained more trusted at 82%, according to a report by UK regulator Ofcom.
July 2023: TikTok Music Streaming Service Launch
In July 2023, TikTok launched a new streaming service called TikTok Music in Brazil and Indonesia. This service allows users to listen to, download, and share songs, featuring music from major record companies. On July 19, 2023, TikTok Music was expanded to select users in Australia, Mexico and Singapore.
September 2023: Irish DPC Fines TikTok €345 Million for GDPR Violations
In September 2023, the Irish DPC imposed a €345 million fine on TikTok for violations of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), specifically related to the mishandling of children's data.
November 2023: Singapore Minister Seeks Information on TikTok Users
In November 2023, Singapore's Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam sought court orders to compel TikTok to provide information on three users he accused of spreading false and defamatory information about him on the platform.
November 2023: Osama bin Laden's Letter Goes Viral on TikTok
In November 2023, Osama bin Laden's 2002 letter resurfaced and went viral on TikTok and other social media. While some users expressed opposition to U.S. foreign policy by sharing the letter, The Guardian removed it from their website and TikTok began issuing takedowns of videos featuring it. Reporting suggested the letter's virality was limited prior to media coverage, with many TikTok videos criticizing bin Laden.
December 2023: US Authorities Investigate ByteDance's Surveillance of Journalists
In December 2023, the US Department of Justice, FBI, and the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party launched investigations into ByteDance's surveillance of journalists on TikTok. The investigations aimed to gather information and determine the extent of the surveillance.
December 2023: Australian Information Commissioner Launches Inquiry into TikTok's Data Harvesting Practices
In December 2023, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner announced an inquiry into TikTok's data collection practices, particularly regarding the harvesting of data from Australian citizens, amid concerns about potential breaches of Australian privacy law.
December 2023: BBC News Uncovers Fake TikTok Accounts Spreading Russian Propaganda
In December 2023, BBC News reported its discovery of nearly 800 fake TikTok accounts promoting Russian propaganda and disinformation. TikTok's investigation uncovered over 12,000 fake accounts using languages including English and Italian.
2023: Kylie Minogue's "Padam Padam" Finds New Audience on TikTok
In 2023, Kylie Minogue's "Padam Padam" gained popularity among Gen Z on TikTok, leading to its inclusion on the Radio 1 playlist. This success came despite resistance from youth radio stations initially, highlighting TikTok's ability to influence music trends and bridge generational gaps in music appreciation.
2023: Georgia Institute of Technology Study on TikTok Censorship
In 2023, a paper by the Internet Governance Project at Georgia Institute of Technology concluded that TikTok is "not exporting censorship, either directly by blocking material, or indirectly via its recommendation algorithm."
2023: Rutgers University Study on TikTok Censorship
A 2023 study by Rutgers University researchers found a "strong possibility that content on TikTok is either amplified or suppressed based on its alignment with the interests of the Chinese government." Following the study, TikTok removed the ability to analyze hashtags of sensitive topics, claiming that this feature was being "misused to draw inaccurate conclusions."
2023: Rise of Antisemitism on TikTok Following Hamas Attack
Following the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, reports emerged about rampant antisemitism on TikTok, with an increase in anti-Jewish and anti-Israel content. Prominent Jewish individuals raised concerns with TikTok's leadership.
2023: Growing Number of U.S. Adults Rely on TikTok for News
In 2023, 14% of U.S. adults reported regularly getting news from TikTok, indicating a growth in adult usage of the platform.
January 2024: Universal Music Group Removes Recordings from TikTok
After a dispute regarding artist payouts and the regulation of AI-generated music on TikTok, Universal Music Group chose not to renew its licensing agreement with TikTok. As a result, its catalog of 3 million recordings became unavailable on the platform starting January 31, 2024, marking the first time a major music company withdrew its music from such a large platform.
February 2024: Biden Campaign Joins TikTok
In February 2024, Joe Biden's re-election campaign launched a TikTok account, despite ongoing security concerns surrounding the platform. This move sparked criticism from lawmakers due to the potential risks associated with TikTok's data security practices.
February 2024: European Commission Investigates TikTok for Potential DSA Violations
In February 2024, the European Commission launched an investigation into TikTok for potential violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA), particularly concerning content targeted at children and advertising transparency.
March 2024: Universal Music Publishing Group Removes Compositions from TikTok
Following the removal of its recordings in January, Universal Music Publishing Group also removed its catalog of 4 million compositions from TikTok in March 2024, further escalating the dispute between the music company and the platform.
March 2024: FTC Continues Investigation into TikTok's Data Practices
In March 2024, it was reported that the FTC is continuing its investigation into TikTok's data collection and privacy practices.
March 2024: Italian Competition Authority Fines TikTok for Inadequate Protection of Minors
In March 2024, the Italian Competition Authority fined TikTok €10 million for failing to protect underage users from harmful content, such as the "French scar" challenge.
March 2024: US House of Representatives Votes to Ban TikTok
In March 2024, the United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 7521, which would ban TikTok completely unless it is divested from ByteDance.
April 2024: Former Employee's Claims About TikTok Leaks Questioned
In April 2024, a former employee who had been a source of TikTok leaks faced scrutiny as their claims were found to be improbable. The employee accused their former employer, as well as government agencies, of getting them fired.
April 2024: Taylor Swift's Music Returns to TikTok
In April 2024, despite ongoing disputes between TikTok and Universal Music Group, Taylor Swift's music returned to the platform. This marked a positive development for users and potentially signaled a shift in the relationship between the platform and the music industry.
April 2024: European Commission Opens Second Investigation into TikTok's Compliance with EU Law
In April 2024, the European Commission initiated a second investigation into TikTok to assess its compliance with EU law.
April 2024: US Senate Passes Bill Potentially Banning TikTok
In April 2024, the House of Representatives included a modified version of the bill to ban TikTok in a foreign aid package which was passed by the Senate and signed by Biden.
2024: TikTok Sponsors Team GB for 2024 Olympics
In 2024, after Olympics digital advertising rules were relaxed, TikTok and Team GB signed a sponsorship deal to help UK athletes connect with new audiences for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
2024: Unclassified Threat Assessment Highlights TikTok's Use for Targeted Propaganda
In 2024, an unclassified threat assessment revealed that TikTok accounts run by a Chinese propaganda arm targeted candidates during the 2022 United States elections, raising concerns about foreign interference.