Is TikTok Safe to Use?

TikTok is a popular social media app consisting of short-form videos created by its users. It is owned by the Beijing-based company ByteDance.

Is TikTok Safe?

Yes, TikTok is generally safe to use but like any social media platform, it’s important to be aware of potential privacy and security concerns.

Here are a few things you should consider when using TikTok or any other social media platform:

• Data Privacy: Social media platforms, including TikTok, collect a significant amount of user data, which can include personal information like your name, location, device information, and more. In 2020, TikTok came under scrutiny due to concerns about data handling and potential access by the Chinese government, as the parent company, ByteDance, is based in China.
• Content Concerns: On TikTok, you’ll find a wide range of content, including some that may not be suitable for all audiences. Cyberbullying, exposure to explicit content, and misinformation are potential concerns, and it’s important for users (and parents of younger users) to utilize the app’s safety features to create a safer environment.
• Addictiveness: Like other social media platforms, TikTok is designed to keep users engaged for as long as possible. This could potentially lead to excessive screen time.
• Scams and Malicious Links: As with any platform, there’s a risk of encountering scams or malicious links. Always be cautious about clicking on links from unknown sources or sharing personal information.

As for ensuring safety while using TikTok:

• Adjust your privacy settings according to your comfort level. You can control who can view your content, send you direct messages, and more.
• Be mindful of the information you share in your videos or on your profile, like your location or personal details.
• Regularly update the app to ensure you have the latest security features.
• Monitor the use of the app by young children and educate them about online safety.

App Permissions

TikTok, like many social media apps, requires various permissions to operate fully. These permissions include:

• Camera: TikTok needs access to the camera to record videos.
• Microphone: This access allows TikTok to record audio for the videos.
• Photos/Media/Files: TikTok requires access to your device’s storage to save and upload videos.
• Location: TikTok can request access to your location, which could be used for various purposes, such as recommending locally popular content or for advertising purposes.
• Contacts: TikTok may request access to your contacts to help you connect with friends on the platform.

Privacy concerns stem from the amount and type of data that TikTok collects through these permissions:

• Data Privacy: There are concerns about what TikTok might do with the data it collects, given the extensive permissions the app asks for. In addition to the data collected via these permissions, TikTok, like many social media platforms, also collects a lot of behavioral data about what users do on the platform – what they watch, for how long, what they skip, etc.
• Data Security: With any app that collects data, there’s always a concern about how securely the data is stored and who has access to it. TikTok’s ownership by a Chinese company, ByteDance, has led to particular scrutiny and concern given Chinese data protection laws and allegations about links between such companies and the Chinese government.
• Data Usage: How TikTok uses this data is another concern. Data can be used to target users with ads, but there are also concerns about other potential uses of the data. For example, location data could be used to track a user’s movements, and contact information could be used to map a user’s social connections.

To manage these permissions and protect your privacy, you can adjust the app’s permissions in your device’s settings, granting only those permissions you feel comfortable with and are necessary for your use of the app.

National Security Concerns

The concerns about TikTok posing national security risks stem from its ownership by a Chinese company, ByteDance. There are mainly two issues that are often highlighted:

• Data Privacy and Potential Espionage: TikTok collects a significant amount of data on its users, which includes, but is not limited to, location data, device identifiers, and behavioral data. As ByteDance is a Chinese company, it’s under the jurisdiction of Chinese law. The Chinese government could theoretically request this data under China’s national intelligence laws. Critics argue that this gives the Chinese government potential access to data on millions of individuals globally, including those in countries with whom they have tense relationships. The fear is that this data could be used for espionage or to gain a competitive edge in negotiations or economic matters.
• Censorship Concerns: There are concerns that the Chinese government could exert influence over TikTok’s content moderation policies, potentially leading to censorship of topics sensitive to the Chinese government, like the protests in Hong Kong, the situation of Uighurs in Xinjiang, or Taiwan’s independence. This would enable China to shape public opinion on global matters outside its borders.

It’s important to note that TikTok has repeatedly denied these allegations and has claimed that American users’ data is stored in the United States, with a backup in Singapore, and that its data centers are located entirely outside China, which would theoretically place the data beyond the reach of Chinese law. However, these claims have not fully allayed the fears of some government officials and security experts.

Content Concerns

TikTok has a vast user base and allows people to create and share short video clips on any topic, leading to a diverse range of content. However, this openness can also lead to several content concerns, including but not limited to:

• Inappropriate Content: TikTok includes a mix of content suitable for all ages and content intended for mature audiences. Despite age restrictions and community guidelines, inappropriate content or content that is not suitable for certain age groups can sometimes make its way onto the platform.
• Cyberbullying: Like any social platform, TikTok can be a place where bullying occurs. Comments on videos can sometimes be mean-spirited or hateful, and videos can be made that target and harass individuals.
• Dangerous Challenges or Trends: Viral “challenges” or trends often surface on TikTok, and some of these can be dangerous or harmful. For example, there have been challenges that involve risky stunts or harmful behaviors.
• Misinformation and Propaganda: Misinformation can spread rapidly on social media platforms, and TikTok is no exception. This includes everything from harmless-seeming urban myths to potentially harmful health misinformation or political propaganda.
• Addictive Nature of the Content: The short, engaging format of TikTok videos and the highly effective recommendation algorithm can make the app very addictive. This can lead to excessive screen time, which might impact mental health, especially among younger users.
• Influencer Pressure and Unrealistic Standards: Much like other social media, the influencer culture on TikTok can sometimes promote unrealistic beauty standards, consumerism, and harmful comparisons, which can impact self-esteem and mental health, particularly among younger users.

TikTok does have policies in place to mitigate some of these issues, including community guidelines, user reporting mechanisms, and digital well-being tools, but it’s essential for users and parents of younger users to be aware of these issues.