Is TikTok Safe? Here’s what you need to know

TikTok and its Chinese counterpart, Douyin, run on the same software but operate on separate networks to align with China’s strict censorship laws. While TikTok is accessible worldwide through the App Store and Google Play, it has raised privacy and security concerns similar to those associated with many social media platforms.

TikTok is generally as safe as other social media apps. Staying secure on TikTok largely depends on how you use it, adjust privacy settings, and understand its guidelines.

Still, TikTok faces ongoing scrutiny. In 2023, a survey found that 59% of U.S. adults view TikTok as a risk to national security. This fear is mainly tied to the app’s high level of data collection and ties to China. This guide provides an overview of how TikTok functions, addresses privacy issues tied to its data practices, and shares tips for using TikTok more securely.

Is TikTok safe?

TikTok is widely considered a safe app, but a few precautions are still necessary. While it doesn’t come with malware or actively steal personal data without permission, that doesn’t mean there aren’t risks involved.

One of the main concerns on TikTok is interactions with other users. Some individuals may have malicious intentions, attempting to mislead or take advantage of others on the platform. You can use TikTok confidently and minimize potential risks by adjusting privacy settings and staying aware of who you interact with.

TikTok privacy concerns: What users should be aware of

To join TikTok, users sign up using a phone number or email or link their account through third-party apps like Facebook or Instagram. After logging in, users can search for videos by looking up popular creators, categories, or trending hashtags. They can also connect with friends on TikTok by syncing phone contacts or linking social media accounts.

Thanks to its advanced algorithm, TikTok emphasizes content discovery, allowing videos to go viral quickly. Although TikTok’s privacy practices have drawn significant media attention, data collection is common across social media platforms. TikTok claims it gathers less data than other major platforms like Facebook or Google and does not track user activity across devices.

Like other social networks, TikTok collects substantial user data, such as videos watched, viewing time, and device details like location and IP address. It also stores messages since they aren’t encrypted, tracking who users interact with and the content shared.

TikTok can also access precise location, contact lists, age, phone number, and payment details with permission. This information helps TikTok build a profile for targeted ads, giving it insights into users’ interests, social circles, and online habits.

Potential risks of using TikTok: What you should consider

With TikTok’s rapid growth and global reach, it has also attracted individuals looking to exploit unsuspecting users. Scammers have developed various tactics to exploit the platform’s interactive features and vast, diverse audience.

Staying informed is the first step to enjoying TikTok securely and protecting yourself from potential risks. Here are the most frequent dangers you might encounter on TikTok:

1. Your privacy is at stake

Your privacy on TikTok involves more than just what you post—it extends to what the app can learn about you through tracking and data collection. Location tracking allows TikTok to know your exact whereabouts, which could be misused or accessed by others if security is compromised. Every video you watch, like, or share helps TikTok build a profile of your preferences and habits, revealing insights into your personal tastes and routines.

Through facial recognition technology, TikTok can analyze and recognize your face in videos, creating data points about your appearance. If this data is mismanaged or exposed, your personal information—from location details to preferences and appearance—could become vulnerable.

2. Tons of scams on TikTok

Romance scams on TikTok involve fraudsters who create fake accounts to build relationships and gain trust. Once they have your confidence, they ask for money or personal information. TikTok even warned users about this scam around Valentine’s Day. Additionally, scam apps are common, often promoted with enticing videos and download links that lead to phishing or malware sites.

Scammers also target aspiring influencers with posts claiming to boost likes and followers for a fee. These are often tactics to steal money or personal information. Phishing scams evolve on TikTok, with suspicious links to steal login credentials. Cryptocurrency investment scams are trickier, as some may seem legitimate, but always research thoroughly before engaging with such offers.

3. Fake news runs wild on TikTok

The lack of editorial oversight and fact-checking on user-generated content has turned TikTok into a breeding ground for fake news. Despite efforts by the platform to combat this issue, its algorithm can still amplify misleading claims or sensationalized stories, particularly in the “For You” feed. This leaves users responsible for determining what’s credible, a challenge for many still developing their digital literacy skills.

Fake news is one of TikTok’s most common privacy issues, with the app often pushing exciting or shocking videos that may not be true. To avoid being misled, users must be cautious and double-check the facts before sharing or believing content. Being sharp and skeptical can help protect you from misinformation, allowing you to navigate the platform more responsibly.

4. Younger TikTok users face increased vulnerabilities

TikTok offers a wide range of content, but not all is suitable for younger audiences or those easily influenced. With everything from risky stunts to inappropriate humor just a scroll away, it’s easy to encounter videos that might not be the best for specific viewers. These types of content can negatively impact kids or impressionable users who may not fully understand the risks involved.

To protect younger users, TikTok limits the data it collects from those under age 13. The app only collects basic personal information for these users like username, password, birthday, and technical data such as IP addresses, device identifiers, and network IDs. While these restrictions aim to safeguard privacy, the platform still faces challenges in ensuring all content remains appropriate for all ages.

TikTok bans and restrictions

Several countries, including Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, and Somalia, have banned TikTok. These concerns are driven by the fact that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is based in Shanghai, where Chinese laws require companies to share data with the government upon request.

Governments fear that China could use TikTok for political manipulation or intelligence gathering, which has led some nations to impose restrictions. In addition to full bans, countries like the United States have banned TikTok on government devices, and legislation has been introduced that could lead to a nationwide ban if ByteDance does not divest from the app.

Several other countries, including the UK, Canada, Belgium, and Australia, have also restricted TikTok use on official devices, citing security concerns related to data privacy and national security.

How to stay safe on TikTok

While the platform provides many safeguards, users must be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions to ensure a safer experience. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself on this platform:

1. Make your account private

By making your TikTok account private, you ensure that only those you accept can view your content. This setting helps protect your privacy by blocking access to your videos from strangers or unfamiliar users. It also safeguards your personal information, such as your location or workplace, keeping it from being exposed to a wide audience.

2. Change your privacy settings

Within your privacy options, you can control who can comment on your posts, create duets with you, and send you direct messages. Take the time to explore all these settings to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience on TikTok.

3. Enable two-step verification

Enabling two-step verification adds an essential layer of security to your TikTok account, making it much harder for anyone to gain unauthorized access, even if they have your login credentials. This extra step requires confirming login attempts by entering a code sent to your registered phone number or email.

4. Use a VPN

Using a virtual private network (VPN) can help protect your privacy by masking your IP address, making it harder for advertisers to track your online activity. With a VPN, your real IP and location are hidden, reducing the likelihood of being targeted by personalized ads.

5. Keep your password unique

It’s important not to reuse passwords across multiple accounts. Having unique passwords for each account reduces the risk of compromising other accounts if one is hacked. If a hacker gains access to one account, they won’t be able to easily access your other accounts, keeping your personal information safer. Using different passwords helps maintain the security of all your online profiles and minimizes the damage in case one of your accounts gets breached.

TikTok FAQs: Answers to common questions

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