TikTok launches new data portability API for EEA users

Following TikTok’s designation as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in 2023, the company claims it has taken various measures to comply with its obligations ahead of DMA’s regulatory deadline. As such, TikTok announced that it has launched a new Data Portability API in the European Economic Area (EEA). The aim is to authorize registered developers to request user permission to transfer a copy of their TikTok data.

Users can now authorize one-time or recurring transfers, selecting specific data categories or their entire archive for continuous and real-time data portability. The Download Your Data tool has also been improved for personal and business accounts, allowing users to export and download relevant profile data and posts with the option to choose specific data categories.

These changes are initially rolling out in the EEA and will expand globally soon. TikTok emphasizes the incorporation of robust privacy and security measures to protect user data, aiming to provide users with both competition and control over their information.

Why does it matter?

The introduction of TikTok’s new Data Portability API marks a substantial advancement in the platform’s data protection measures, signifying a pivotal shift toward empowering users with greater control over their data transfers. This development reflects the evolving landscape of social media platform responsibilities, particularly in response to implementing the DMA in the EU. The DMA has set a new standard, highlighting the imperative for social media platforms to prioritize user agency and data management in alignment with enhanced data protection policies.