The Price of Staying: TikTok USDS Precise Location Tracking and Privacy Shifts

TikTok has officially dodged the ban hammer in the US, but it's coming with a significant catch. The newly formed TikTok USDS Joint Venture just updated its privacy policy, and it's looking to get much closer to its 200 million American users—literally.

TikTok USDS Precise Location Data: What’s Changing?

Following the deal closure on Thursday, Jan 22, 2026, the app's privacy terms shifted from collecting 'approximate' location to potentially gathering precise location data. While previous versions relied on IP addresses or SIM cards, the new policy allows the app to tap into GPS-level accuracy depending on user settings.

It’s not just about where you are, but how you talk to machines. The update also extends permissions for gathering data on how users interact with AI tools, including the specific prompts and questions submitted. TikTok says this will be an 'opt-in' feature, meaning you'll see a pop-up asking for permission before the tracking begins.

Oracle’s Oversight and the Trump Connection

The joint venture isn't just a tech realignment; it's a political one. Oracle, led by Republican donor Larry Ellison, is a key player. Along with Silver Lake and MGX, they now manage the business that Donald Trump once tried to ban.

Critics aren't fully convinced yet. Representative John Moolenaar voiced concerns on Friday about ByteDance's remaining stake, which is just shy of 20%. He’s questioning whether this deal truly severs Chinese influence over the algorithm. In response, the venture promised that Oracle will secure the code and data within its US cloud environment.