Privacy Concerns Surrounding TikTok
TikTop Privacy Concerns..
August 21, 2020
TikTok has become a staple in the Generation Z online community. In early 2018, popular Chinese video app Douyin merged with Musical.ly to create TikTok. It was during this time, that TikTok was first introduced to the United States, where it then blew up into one of the most popular apps downloaded of all time.
To date, over 80 million users in the US alone use the app almost daily. People of all ages are using this platform to deliver unique content. From teens following new dance trends to moms making lunch, and even grandparents participating in challenges– TikTok is creating a unique community. With this big of an online presence, the United States is hesitant to continue letting citizens use this app despite numerous security concerns.
This is not the first time that the United States has had to deal with TikTok and the data mining accusations. On December 16, 2019, the Pentagon had its own TikTok ban, banning the app from many branches of the United States Military due to privacy threats. The Chinese government was able to access the exact location of US personnel due to the TikTok app tracking their location. Now, government-issued devices are not allowed to access the app.
In recent weeks, it has been brought to light that TikTok is able to view:
· Specific videos that are viewed and commented on by a user
· The operating system and phone model of user
· The exact keystrokes of a user’s typing
· The location of the device
To many, this is a cause of concern over online privacy. We now live in a world where we have access to everything at our fingertips. Most of our daily interactions have technology involved in some way whether it is through email, cell phone use, or even credit card transactions. It is hard to be sure how to protect yourself in a world where it is almost impossible.