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Is TikTok a Dangerous App?
This article looks at the risks and potential dangers of using the video-sharing app TikTok. These risks include: TikTok collecting personal information about users, hiding content from overweight, disabled and LGBTQ creators, and using an insecure HTTP connection to deliver videos. We also discuss the privacy risks of TikTok. If you are worried about using this App, make sure to read our full review.
TikTok collects personally identifiable information on users
TikTok has recently updated its privacy policies to include the collection of biometric information. While this information is not currently collected on a voluntary basis, the company does ask for consent for it. To see also : How to Monetize Your TikTok Videos. This information may include facial features, voiceprints, and audio. While the company has not defined what it means by biometric information, it is not clear if the company plans to use this information for marketing purposes.
The company has acknowledged its mistakes in privacy practices and has taken steps to address them. In addition to updating their privacy policies, they are also ensuring that users have the knowledge and understanding of what information is collected. TikTok’s terms of service state that they respect the privacy of users, but that they may still collect some personally identifiable information without consent. The company has also made clear that the policy will only be changed where users consent, such as if TikTok intends to offer advertising.
It could be used by the Chinese government
A group of Republican senators has raised concerns over the use of the popular video-sharing app TikTok by the Chinese Communist Party. The senators, including Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Thom Tillis (R-N. See the article : How to Download Music From Tik Tok.C.), wrote to the FBI to raise the issue. TikTok does not share any of its data with any government, but it has to adhere to Chinese law.
The Chinese government has shown interest in foreign-owned tech companies, including TikTok. In response, CFIUS is cracking down on tech companies with sensitive user data. However, Chinese authorities do not have a clear cut path to access personal data. Those who are deemed to be at risk include dissidents in the Chinese diaspora and critics of the Chinese government.
Moreover, TikTok collects enormous amounts of personal information about users. It tracks IP addresses, browsing history, and biometric data. These data could be used by the Chinese government to influence users. TikTok has also stated that it stores its data outside of China, but it is unclear if this is sufficient to protect its users. In addition, it does not mention the security protocols that are in place to protect this data.
It hides content from disabled, LGBTQ and overweight creators
It’s a known fact that TikTok is suppressing videos by vulnerable creators. These creators include overweight people, the LGBTQ+ community, and disabled individuals. TikTok acknowledged the suppression in an article published by Netzpolitik. On the same subject : Where Are My Drafts on TikTok?. The company said it was doing this to prevent cyber-bullying. The company’s policies on user protection and privacy have been changed.
The Chinese video-sharing app instructed moderators to hide posts by users it deemed undesirable. The company didn’t give moderators permission to ban accounts or promote posts on “For You” page, which is the main algorithmic feed. Since users rarely share content in this section of the site, a disabled creator’s video will be far less visible. While the company claims that the policy reflects the company’s values, the problem is not limited to TikTok.
Some users were removed from the platform because of the content they created. TikTok’s moderators have categorized videos that are potentially offensive to the company as “Risk 4” and will be automatically capped with an Auto R mark. Videos created by these creators are only visible in the country they were uploaded from. These videos will only reach a maximum of 5.5 million people. The platform also banned videos featuring obese creators, LGBTQ creators, and the disabled community.
It uses an insecure HTTP connection to deliver videos
The security of TikTok videos has long been a point of concern, with hackers often using insecure HTTP connections to divert users’ traffic. This could put user information at risk, and even allow governments to erase TikTok videos. However, the company has taken steps to improve the security of its system. The video sharing site is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, which has been accused of spreading propaganda to teenagers.
Moreover, the security gap of TikTok’s delivery system could lead to misinformation spreading. The video-sharing app relies on an insecure HTTP connection to deliver media content, making it easier for hackers to intercept user traffic. The application is currently rolling out a more secure HTTPS connection to all regions. In the meantime, it has also improved the delivery speed of videos on the platform.
