The constitutional right to data protection and the processing of personal data

a lexical analysis of Tiktok's Privacy Policy using Iramuteq software

Abstract

https://doi.org/10.1590/2179-8966/2025/80645

This research examines the handling and utilization of personal data within social media platforms, specifically TikTok, and evaluates its adherence to legal frameworks safeguarding personal data protection. Employing a qualitative approach that integrates bibliographic and documentary research methods, the study utilizes a deductive approach and content analysis facilitated by Iramuteq software. Lexical analysis of TikTok's privacy policy seeks to answer the following questions: Does the policy align with Brazilian legislation? Are personal data, particularly sensitive data, collected by TikTok effectively protected, upholding the constitutional and conventional right to privacy? The study's hypothesis posits that TikTok's privacy policy fails to effectively protect the right to privacy for all users, irrespective of their account status on the platform. The results indicate a predominance of terms related to information and user, while words like privacy and transparency are less frequent, suggesting a possible gap in compliance with LGPD standards. The research concludes that TikTok's policy does not promote effective protection of user privacy, highlighting the need for adjustments so that the platform respects the fundamental rights provided for in Brazilian legislation.