CapCut, the popular video editing app, is raising concerns among users about its privacy policy, which grants it the right to use biometric data, such as faces and voices, for commercial purposes.
For users, this implies that when you use CapCut or similar platforms then your content could become part of a company’s data training pipeline.
CapCut’s terms of service and privacy policy state that by using the app, users grant the company a ‘worldwide, royalty-free, and transferable license’ to use content they upload or create on the platform.
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The policy suggests that the firm reserves the right to use this data for training its artificial intelligence models, marketing, and other unspecified purposes, without needing further user consent. This includes all the audio clips and videos by users which include their facial features and voiceprints.
CapCut’s parent company, ByteDance, which is the owner of TikTok, has previously faced regulatory heat in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, and India over data privacy concerns, especially related to how it handles data from underage users and sensitive content.
Although this is common among many tech platforms, CapCut’s inclusion of biometric data and the extent to which it can be used has raised an alarm about the digital rights of users.
What users need to know about using CapCut
By using CapCut, you may be giving rights and permission to the company to use your voice, likeness, voice recordings, and video content without further consent or compensation from you and without any time limit.
This licence is irrevocable worldwide as it is a royalty-free license. It is in terms of service agreements.
In Nigeria, CapCut is increasingly popular among young content creators and small businesses, and awareness of the privacy risks remains low. The Nigerian Data Protection Act, which was passed in 2023, is to enhance personal data rights and place restrictions on cross-border data transfers.
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How users should ensure data protection
Users should read the privacy policy, regardless of how tedious they are and review app permissions. Ensure you avoid uploading sensitive content because individual vigilance remains the first line of defence.
