Adolescent Mental Health App Transmits User Information Directly to TikTok
February 2025
An app designed to improve the mental health of teenagers, Brightmind, has been sharing the personal data of its users with the social media platform TikTok, according to recent reports. The information was collected without the consent or knowledge of the users or their parents.
Brightmind has been marketed as an app that aids teenagers in managing their anxiety and depression. However, an investigation by TechCrunch revealed that user data was being shared with TikTok. The data included information about the user's device such as the model, time zone, and local language, along with specific app events like app installation, account creation, and individual sessions.
According to the privacy policy of the app, it does not share personal information with third parties for their own marketing purposes. However, the policy does not explicitly mention TikTok.
A spokesperson for Brightmind explained that the interaction with TikTok was a part of the app's integration with the social media platform's advertising network. The purpose was to know if the users came to Brightmind via a TikTok advertisement. However, the spokesperson confirmed that Brightmind has ended the practice of sharing data with TikTok.
Experts have criticized the app's data sharing practices. They believe this act is in violation of privacy laws, particularly those protecting the data of minors. These laws include the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the U.S. and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe.
Despite the app's claim to have ceased the data sharing, TechCrunch found that Brightmind's code still contains links to TikTok. However, it is unclear if the data is still being sent to the social media platform.
This incident underlines the importance of regulating data sharing practices, especially when it relates to sensitive information such as the mental health of minors. It also emphasizes the need for transparent communication between apps and users about how their data is stored, shared, and used.