TikTok: Why You Should Consider Deleting This App From Your Devices.

By: Mack Jackson Jr.

By: Mack Jackson Jr.

TikTok is a social network app that allows members to create and share 15- to 60-second movies. According to Sensor Tower Store Intelligence estimates, ByteDance’s TikTok has been downloaded more than 2 billion times worldwide from the App Store and Google Play. Since it came out in September 2016, the app has been downloaded more than two billion times all over the world. Sensor Tower data indicates that this is the case.

TikTok’s popularity is primarily due to its user-friendly design, which makes it easy for users to create and modify videos using various built-in tools and functions. In addition, the app’s algorithm-driven feed provides users with a customized stream of content, which boosts the likelihood that they will interact with and like the videos they watch.

TikTok's ability to make its users feel like they are part of a community is another essential factor in its success. "Duets," where users can make videos with other users, and "challenges," where users can take part in trending video challenges, are two of the many parts of the app that encourage user participation. However, the application has been scrutinized for possibly spying on its users.

TikTok has experienced numerous privacy and security issues. Cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies have voiced alarm over the app’s propensity to collect and distribute user data without their knowledge and consent.

Risks to personal data and information The data gathering and sharing policies of TikTok raise concerns about the potential hazards to users’ personal information and data, such as data breaches, data misuse, and unauthorized access to sensitive material.

The U.S. FBI has accused the Chinese government of using TikTok to spy on its residents, forcing some governments to ban or restrict the app’s usage. The FBI also believes that the TikTok app could threaten national security.

TikTok has been criticized for its lack of complete child protection safeguards, which could expose children to online predators and other threats, and child sexual exploitation has occurred.

Cyberbullying has also been linked to TikTok, as the anonymity and accessibility of the network make it easy for users to harass, intimidate, and threaten others.

As a result of the potential risks associated with data breaches, the use of TikTok has been prohibited on the devices of government agencies in several U.S. states. Some states have already passed legislation banning the video-sharing software TikTok, while others are in the process of doing so.

TikTok has taken steps to address some of these worries, such as adding new privacy policies and features and telling people what it does with the information it collects. However, these concerns continue to be the topic of ongoing discussion and investigation.

“We’re disappointed that so many states are jumping on the political bandwagon to enact policies that will do nothing to advance cybersecurity in their states and are based on unfounded falsehoods about TikTok." - Jamal Brown — TikTok Communications.

TikTok users can take several security measures to ensure their privacy while using the app if they do not favor removing the app from all of their devices. Consider reviewing the app’s policies and settings related to user privacy. Always read up on TikTok's privacy settings and policy to get a full picture of the information the app collects, how it's used, and who has access to it.

Take command of your account settings by changing your account settings to limit the data TikTok can collect about you. You can do this by disabling location tracking, blocking data collection for ad personalization, or restricting access to your profile and videos. The tip is suitable for all of your social media apps.

Use discretion with your information on TikTok, especially if it pertains to your personal life, location, or contact details. Try not to disclose information on anything too personal or sensitive until it’s essential, and only discuss what makes you feel safe and comfortable. Cybercriminals look for personal data from social media users such as TikTok to exploit.

Beware of software from unfamiliar sources: Not all apps that claim to provide TikTok-related features, such as video editing or analysis tools, do so. Consider doing some background reading on the apps before installing or using them; some may track your activity or information from your TikTok account if you don’t. Also, ensure to use a separate password or, preferably, a passphrase for all of your apps.

Make use of TikTok’s privacy settings, such as the ability to hide your profile from search results, restrict who can view your videos, and report or block users who are being abusive or harassing. Especially if you’re shooting video in a public place, it’s wise to be aware of your surroundings. It would be best if you considered whether or not your video’s settings might give away any personal details, such as your identity or whereabouts.

Other suggestions are to stay on top of software updates for your gadgets and applications. Keep your mobile, laptop, tablet, and desktop devices and apps up-to-date to ensure you always use the latest, secure version. Updates from your device’s manufacturer will help mitigate security threats.

Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). If you are concerned, and you should be, that someone is watching your internet connection, a VPN can encrypt your data and prevent anyone from accessing it. I recommend using a VPN while computing in cafes, hotel rooms, or when you are not within a secure wifi network, such as at home or at the workplace.

As for the TikTok app, whether you should remove it depends on the user. State employees cannot use the app in governmental agencies for the concerns covered in this article. However, if TikTok's security problems are resolved and it's shown to be safe, it could become a social media giant again.

Remember that there is no foolproof way to protect your privacy online, so you should always be careful. Even if you take all of these steps, it's still possible that someone could steal your information, but the chances of this happening are very low. Protecting your identity online requires you to #staycyberalert.

About the Author

Mack Jackson Jr. is the CEO of Vanderson Cyber Group. In the age of global cyber threats, Vanderson Cyber Group helps businesses protect themselves from cyberattacks by teaching them cybersecurity awareness. Vanderson Cyber Group uses state-of-the-art practices in security policy development and comprehensive employee training. One of the essential services is phishing simulation and compliance training, which keep employees up-to-date on the threat landscape. Vanderson Cyber Group also provides resources for cyber insurance, managed services, and legal representation. For more information: http://www.vandersoncybergroup.com