.webp)
TikTok is everywhere. It’s on your phone, your friend’s phone, and even your mom’s phone. But on a platform where dance trends, DIY hacks, and oddly satisfying slime videos flourish, one question hangs heavy: Is TikTok safe?
This social media app exploded with popularity, raking in over a billion users, but with great fame comes great scrutiny. TikTok asks for app permission to access features like the camera and location, raising concerns about data privacy and the extent of data collection.
Everything from data privacy to content moderation, TikTok’s safety features (and flaws) are on display.
Let’s unpack the whole thing — and find out whether you can keep scrolling your FYP guilt-free or if you should press “delete account” quicker than you can say “berries and cream.”
Understanding TikTok and Social Media Platforms
Let's get going!
What is TikTok?
TikTok is a social media platform that has taken the world by storm, allowing users to create and share short-form videos that range from dance challenges to cooking tutorials. With over a billion active users, TikTok has become one of the most popular social media apps globally.
Its appeal lies in its creative and entertaining content, which often goes viral, and its ability to connect users with others who share similar interests. Whether you’re into comedy skits, beauty tips, or educational content, TikTok has something for everyone.
Who Owns TikTok?
We should first discuss the origins of TikTok before moving on to the safety issues. Beijing-based ByteDance, a Chinese company, is the owner of TikTok.
Because of this ownership, there are ongoing discussions around data sharing, national security, and if TikTok collects data for the Chinese government.
American politicians have voiced worries about TikTok's data harvesting methods and said that the software presents threats to national security. However, ByteDance has maintained that its U.S. operations are distinct and that servers located outside of China are where customer data is kept.
Additionally, ByteDance's ownership has drawn special attention from lawmakers that isn't seen on other social media sites. Facebook's and Instagram's data harvesting practices have drawn criticism, but TikTok's connections to the Chinese government exacerbate the issue.
What Information Does TikTok Collect?
TikTok is gathering data — mountains of it. But then, so do most social media services. The types of data does TikTok collect from its users include various categories that enhance the app's functionality and user experience. Here’s a glimpse of the sort of data TikTok collects:
- Behavioral data: Videos you watch, like, share, and how long you spend on each.
- Location data: Where your approximate location is based on your IP address.
- Login credentials: If you log in with a phone number, email, or password when creating a TikTok account.
- Operating systems & app permissions: TikTok servers collect information about your device, including installed apps, operating system details, and app permissions requested and granted.
Does TikTok Send Your Data to China?
ByteDance has said countless times that TikTok’s data collection practices strictly follow industry standards.
Nonetheless, critics say TikTok’s privacy policy doesn’t actually give users like you clear information about how your data is shared with third parties like advertisers or even law enforcement.
TikTok data sharing practices have raised concerns about the extent to which user information is utilized and shared with third parties.
For instance, TikTok collects information such as your location, what type of device you’re using to scroll, and your IP address, which it uses for personalization and to enhance the user experience.
However, skeptics worry that sensitive data like IP addresses and behavioral data could be exploited.
TikTok’s Safety Features
TikTok has taken steps to address safety, particularly for younger users. Let’s look at some of the app’s key safety features:
Restricted Mode
This feature limits inappropriate content, making TikTok a safer place for younger users. However, like a teenager sneaking candy before dinner, some content still slips through the cracks.
Restricted Mode isn’t entirely foolproof, but it’s a step in the right direction for parents who are concerned about their children’s digital well-being.
Remember watching horrifyingly inappropriate videos with your friends in middle school? That's exactly why Restricted Mode exists.
Digital Wellbeing Features
TikTok’s screen time management tools let users set daily limits to curtail their doomscrolling. Whether anyone actually uses these features, though, is an entirely different story.
For those who do, it’s a helpful way to curb endless scrolling and keep their mental health in check.
Private Account Option
You can set your TikTok account to private, ensuring only people you approve can follow you and see your content.
This is particularly useful for younger users who may not fully understand the risks of sharing personal information publicly.
Comment Filters
To combat harassment, TikTok allows users to filter comments by keywords. It’s a handy tool, but it’s not foolproof against trolls.
The app also provides options to block or report accounts engaging in inappropriate behavior.
Family Pairing
Young users can benefit greatly from the Family Pairing feature, as it allows parents to link their accounts to their children’s to monitor activity, set screen time limits, and manage privacy settings.
This feature gives families more control over how TikTok is used.
Safety Concerns and Potential Dangers
Despite these features, TikTok poses several safety risks:
Data Privacy
Privacy concerns dominate discussions about TikTok. TikTok shares data with various organizations for operational and regulatory reasons.
Critics worry about how TikTok collects data and whether it shares sensitive information with third parties or even the Chinese government.
TikTok’s privacy policy is often criticized for being vague, leaving users unsure of where their data is going.
Security Issues
TikTok has faced accusations of weak data security. Some experts fear hackers could gain access to user data, from login credentials to behavioral data.
Additionally, concerns about the TikTok algorithm being exploited for political influence have also been raised.
Content Risks
TikTok’s algorithm promotes content based on your interests, but it can also lead users down harmful rabbit holes.
From harmful beauty trends to dangerous challenges, TikTok trends aren’t always safe. Younger users are especially vulnerable to content that promotes risky behavior or unrealistic standards.
The TikTok app has also been known to radicalize people and their political views. Thanks to its superb algorithm, if you're not careful, a single video can lead you down a rabbit hole that'll alter your long-held political opinions and views on the world around us.
TikTok Scams
From phishing scams to romance scams, TikTok isn’t free of fraudsters. TikTok users, especially younger ones, face significant risks from scams, including phishing scams that target them through direct messaging.
Fake accounts often lure users into sharing personal details, including home addresses and payment information.
These scams are not unique to TikTok but are a pervasive problem across all social media platforms.
Direct Messages
While direct messages can be a great way to connect, they’re also a potential risk for younger users who may receive unsolicited messages from strangers.
TikTok offers options to limit who can send direct messages, but users must activate these settings manually.
Online Harassment and Cyberbullying
Online harassment and cyberbullying are significant issues that plague all social media platforms, and TikTok is no exception.
Cyberbullying can manifest in various ways, such as sending mean or threatening messages, posting hurtful comments, or sharing embarrassing or private content without consent.
To combat these issues, TikTok has implemented several measures, including robust reporting tools and strict community guidelines. These features are designed to help users report inappropriate behavior and ensure a safer online environment.
However, it’s crucial for users to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting themselves and others from online harassment.
Combating Negative Effects on Mental Health
Social media platforms like TikTok can have a profound impact on mental health, both positively and negatively.
On the positive side, social media can foster a sense of connection and community, which can be beneficial for mental well-being.
However, excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. To combat these negative effects, users can take several steps:
- Set boundaries: Establish limits on your social media use to prevent it from consuming too much of your time and energy.
- Take breaks: Regularly disconnect from social media to engage in offline activities that promote mental well-being, such as exercise, reading, or spending time with loved ones.
- Curate your feed: Follow accounts that inspire and uplift you, and unfollow those that contribute to negative feelings or stress.
By being mindful of their social media habits, users can enjoy the benefits of platforms like TikTok while minimizing the potential downsides.
TikTok vs. Other Social Media Platforms
When comparing TikTok’s safety features to those of other social media platforms, it’s a mixed bag. Facebook and Instagram also offer private accounts, comment filters, and screen time tools.
However, TikTok’s algorithm is particularly aggressive, making it harder to escape its addictive grip.
On the flip side, apps like TikTok for kids, such as YouTube Kids, have stricter content moderation.
Snapchat, another popular social media app, offers features like disappearing messages, but it’s not immune to privacy concerns.
Similarly, Twitter and Reddit face challenges with content moderation and data security.
TikTok’s unique algorithm and global reach set it apart but also make it a bigger target for criticism.
The U.S. Ban: What’s Going On?
As of January 2025, the U.S. government is considering a nationwide TikTok ban due to national security concerns. Lawmakers argue that TikTok’s data collection practices could jeopardize user privacy.
Whether this ban will happen remains to be seen, but it’s a reminder to exercise caution while using any social media app.
This isn’t the first time a social media platform has faced scrutiny, but TikTok’s connection to ByteDance makes it a unique case.
The debate highlights the need for stricter regulations and greater transparency in how social media sites handle user data.
How to Stay Safe on TikTok
To enjoy TikTok safely, follow these tips:
- Set your account to private: Only approved followers can see your TikTok profile and user content.
- Enable restricted mode: Protect younger users from inappropriate content.
- Avoid sharing sensitive information: Don’t share personal details like your home address.
- Be wary of scams: Watch out for fake accounts and phishing scams.
- Reuse passwords wisely: Use strong, unique passwords for your TikTok account.
- Limit direct messages: Restrict who can send direct messages to your account.
- Monitor younger users: Use TikTok’s Family Pairing feature to manage your child’s account settings.
Best Practices for Password Security and Account Management
Keeping your TikTok account secure is essential to protect your personal information and privacy. Here are some best practices for password security and account management:
- Use strong, unique passwords: Create passwords that are difficult to guess and unique to your TikTok account. Avoid using the same password across multiple social media platforms.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of security by enabling two-factor authentication, which requires a second form of verification in addition to your password.
- Review account settings regularly: Periodically check your account settings and permissions to ensure they align with your privacy preferences.
- Use a VPN: Using a VPN is a baseline step to protect yourself and your online presence, given that it encrypts your internet traffic, protecting you from prying eyes.
- Be cautious with app permissions: When granting app permissions, be mindful of what access you’re allowing. For instance, consider whether TikTok needs access to your location data, camera, or other sensitive information.
- Understand data sharing: Be aware of the data TikTok collects and shares. Review and manage your data-sharing preferences to control what information is shared with third parties.
By following these best practices, you can enhance the security of your TikTok account and protect your personal information from potential threats.
Final Thoughts
So, is TikTok safe? The answer isn’t black and white. TikTok has made strides in improving safety, but privacy concerns and security issues persist.
As with any social media platform, the key to staying safe lies in exercising caution and making the most of the available safety features.
And if TikTok trends ever feel overwhelming, remember: you can always watch TikTok without the app—or not at all. After all, no trend is worth compromising your safety.
Now, go forth and scroll responsibly—or at least set that account to private.
