Is TikTok Safe?

The Concerns

TikTok has come under fire in recent months over concerns about its data collection practices and its potential ties to the Chinese government. Some experts have raised concerns that TikTok could be used to collect user data that could be used for surveillance or other purposes. Others have expressed concern that TikTok could be used to spread propaganda or to influence public opinion.

In response to these concerns, the United States government has taken steps to restrict TikTok's operations in the country. In August 2020, President Trump issued an executive order that would have banned TikTok from operating in the United States, but that order was later blocked by a federal judge. In December 2020, the Trump administration reached an agreement with TikTok that would allow the company to continue operating in the United States, but only if it sold its US operations to an American company. ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, has said that it is exploring a sale of TikTok's US operations.

The Evidence

There is some evidence to support the concerns that have been raised about TikTok. In 2019, the US government fined TikTok $5.7 million for illegally collecting personal information from children under the age of 13. In addition, a report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute found that TikTok had been collecting user data that could be used for surveillance purposes. However, it is important to note that there is no evidence that TikTok has actually been used for surveillance or to spread propaganda. TikTok has denied the allegations that it has been collecting user data for improper purposes, and the company has said that it is committed to protecting user privacy.

Ultimately, the question of whether or not TikTok is safe is a complex one. There are some legitimate concerns about the company's data collection practices and its potential ties to the Chinese government. However, there is also no evidence that TikTok has actually been used for malicious purposes. Users should be aware of the potential risks involved in using TikTok, and they should take steps to protect their privacy.

What you can do to protect your privacy on TikTok

If you are concerned about your privacy on TikTok, there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself. First, you should be careful about what information you share on the app. Avoid sharing personal information, such as your address, phone number, or financial information. Second, you should be careful about what videos you watch and like. TikTok uses your viewing and liking history to tailor the content you see, so be mindful of the messages you are sending to the app.

Third, you should be careful about who you follow on TikTok. Avoid following accounts that share inappropriate or dangerous content. Finally, you should be sure to update your privacy settings on TikTok. You can control who can see your videos, who can comment on your videos, and who can send you messages. By taking these steps, you can help to protect your privacy on TikTok.