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Is TikTok Still Unsafe in 2022?
Is TikTok still safe in 2022? Let’s discuss these concerns. This article will discuss the concerns around Privacy, Data collection, and Online grooming. It will also discuss threats to national security and privacy. While the privacy concerns are valid, the national security concern is particularly troubling. However, there are many precautions that users can take to protect themselves from such threats. You can read the rest of this article to find out what they should do.
Privacy concerns
The privacy concerns about TikTok have been sparked by its plans to shift from collecting consent to relying on the legitimate interest ground. This new ground does not require users to provide consent to use their data, but it has been raised by cybersecurity researchers. This may interest you : What is the Catchy Song From TikTok?. The American Civil Liberties Union is also concerned about the vague policies of the social media site. As a result, lawmakers are urging the company to make changes to avoid future complaints.
While TikTok may be popular among teenagers and children, it is important to remember that not all of them are trustworthy. While many users may not have sensitive content on their phones, the risks are similar to other popular social media apps. Parents are encouraged to use parental control apps such as Kaspersky Safe Kids to help their children avoid content that could be offensive to them. Parents can also control screen time and block inappropriate games.
Data collection practices
Internet 2.0 recently published a report claiming that TikTok is using excessive data collection practices. The study claims that the app is connecting to infrastructure in mainland China and is collecting biometric and location data from users. This may interest you : Who is the King of Tik Tok?. The study used both static and dynamic testing of TikTok mobile applications from 1 July to 12 July 2022. TikTok is already over one billion users, so it is vital that these companies adhere to the law.
A recent update to the company’s privacy policy shows that TikTok is collecting more data on its users than ever before. In addition to content, it also collects user information about their devices, IP addresses, GPS locations, voiceprints, and other details from uploaded videos. The company says it would need consent from users before collecting such data, but declined to confirm details. The new data collection practices, however, are a step in the right direction.
Online grooming
Although the Communications Decency Act addresses online grooming, this law does not apply to TikTok. Instead, online grooming takes place on social media platforms that host and monetize this type of behavior. On the same subject : What Song Blows Up on TikTok?. If these activities took place on brick-and-mortar stores, the companies would have been subject to enormous lawsuits. In other words, TikTok is safe for minors, but not for underage users.
Although many children who post videos on TikTok have positive intentions, this does not mean that every user is safe. Many are children, and these accounts can be vulnerable to cyberbullying, harassment, and sexual exploitation. Child internet safety expert Justine Pardoen warns that children should not engage in online grooming. The practice involves sexual abuse and the production of child pornography.
Threat to national security
In 2022, many people will be focusing on an app called TikTok, which is generating controversy over its potential to be a tool for Chinese propaganda. However, some are also concerned that it may be a source of sensitive data that could be weaponized by the Chinese government. In other words, the Chinese government could track users’ every move, create profiles, and create disinformation campaigns based on the information they gather. While TikTok has stated that it does not collect any personal information, US officials are unsure.
A recent report from BuzzFeed News reveals that Chinese engineers have discussed accessing US military data using TikTok. The company recently said it is in negotiations with the Treasury’s CFIUS in an effort to maintain access to military data. These actions should concern American citizens who work with our military and entrust the company with important information. TikTok is not alone in its national security concerns.
Recommendations for parents
While there are many advantages of TikTok for children, parents also need to be cautious. TikTok is a popular platform that facilitates interaction. With virtually infinite content to choose from, it is easy to customize it to suit your child’s interests. Additionally, kids can easily interact with other users through social media features such as likes, followers, and shares. Parents need to be aware of the security measures on TikTok to ensure that their children don’t get in trouble with the social networking site.
In addition to age-related issues, users should also be mindful of their contacts. TikTok users’ messages are nearly as important as the videos they make. Because the content is publicly shared, kids may receive inappropriate messages or be exposed to cyberbullying. TikTok also exposes children to online harassment and sexual exploitation, if they allow their contacts to access their accounts.
