Something’s changed behind the scenes at TikTok, and most people haven’t noticed. As spotted by Forbes first, the company recently rewrote its law enforcement policy, giving government and “regulatory” agencies broader access to user data. On paper, that includes groups like the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement... two agencies often criticized for their aggressive tactics.
The update slipped in as TikTok was trying to stay on good terms with the Trump administration, which still controls whether the app can legally operate in the U.S. The new language extends beyond traditional police forces, opening the door to a wider range of officials who can ask for user details. What’s more, the platform watered down its earlier promise to tell people when the government comes knocking for their data.
According to Forbes (Emily Baker‑White, October 21, 2025), the update states that users will be notified about such requests only when required by law, rather than as a standard practice. TikTok did not confirm whether agencies like ICE or the Department of Homeland Security have accessed user data. The changes follow U.S. and international regulatory requirements, including recent compliance with Indonesian authorities during livestreaming restrictions. The updates aim to align TikTok’s practices with applicable legal obligations.
The update slipped in as TikTok was trying to stay on good terms with the Trump administration, which still controls whether the app can legally operate in the U.S. The new language extends beyond traditional police forces, opening the door to a wider range of officials who can ask for user details. What’s more, the platform watered down its earlier promise to tell people when the government comes knocking for their data.
According to Forbes (Emily Baker‑White, October 21, 2025), the update states that users will be notified about such requests only when required by law, rather than as a standard practice. TikTok did not confirm whether agencies like ICE or the Department of Homeland Security have accessed user data. The changes follow U.S. and international regulatory requirements, including recent compliance with Indonesian authorities during livestreaming restrictions. The updates aim to align TikTok’s practices with applicable legal obligations.
Notes: This post was drafted with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed, edited, and published by humans. Image: DIW-Aigen.
Editor's note: Post updated on December 2025 to remove redundant part.
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