Is TikTok Safe to Use? How Unsafe Is the Phone App in 2024?

TikTok, the viral video-sharing app, often lands in the middle of heated debates, so you might be wondering, "Is TikTok safe?" Well, the answer isn't straightforward — it hinges on what you consider safe, especially in terms of privacy and the kind of content you're exposed to.

I've dug deep into TikTok's features, user agreement, content guidelines, and more. In this article, I'll highlight the specific risks that different users, including kids, adults, and even government officials, might face. Plus, I'll share some tips to boost your security and privacy on TikTok and how to refine your content feed for a better experience.

How Safe is TikTok?

TikTok is a generally safe platform, but it comes with some safety risks. On the technical side, downloading TikTok is as secure as any other mainstream app. But here's the catch: TikTok is a data glutton. It collects and shares a lot of user data similar to industry bigwigs like META (think Facebook and Instagram) and Google.

That's not all — there's the issue of content moderation. A staggering 1 billion monthly active users paired with a lack of stringent controls mean TikTok can sometimes expose both kids and adults to content that's less than appropriate. It's like walking through a digital carnival: vibrant and exciting, but not every alley is kid-friendly.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

What Makes TikTok Unsafe?

From shady data policies to scams and inappropriate content, TikTok presents numerous threats for users of any age group. I will describe the potential dangers and controversies to help you understand the risks.

Extensive Data Collection

TikTok's Privacy Policy states its data collection aims to enhance app functionality and refine its recommendation algorithm. To this end, TikTok meticulously logs your device data and all in-app interactions, such as:

• Account details. Your profile's basic information, including name, username, profile picture, email, phone number, and password.
• Third-party account information. When you link other accounts, such as Facebook or Google, TikTok gathers information from them.
• User-created content. The app tracks every photo, video, or message you send.
• Publicly available information. TikTok searches for user information from open sources, creating a more complete user profile.
• Search data. Your searches within the app are monitored to identify your interests and preferences.
• Device information. The company collects comprehensive data on your device, including IP addresses, mobile carriers, time zones, and file names.
• Location data. The phone app can track your movement via GPS and private network data.
• Behavioral data. All content you watch is thoroughly examined to tailor the TikTok feed.
• Keystroke patterns. Even your typing behavior is tracked and analyzed, especially if you use TikTok’s in-app browser.

TikTok's privacy policies vary depending on the region

Sharing of Sensitive Information

TikTok isn't just a platform for sharing videos — it's also a hub for data exchange. While some of this information sharing is necessary for legal reasons, your data on TikTok travels in many directions, often beyond just your followers:

• Business partners. Your app details, like IDs and URLs, are swapped with big names like Facebook and Google.
• Service providers. Think of those who handle payments and transactions — they get data too.
• Analytics providers. These guys use your data to make TikTok smarter in targeting ads and optimizing your experience.
• Advertisers. Yes, your data helps in crafting targeted ad campaigns.
• Legal entities. Law enforcement and government agencies, sometimes including Chinese authorities, can access your data as per legal requirements.

Under Chinese law, companies like ByteDance, the creator of TikTok, could be compelled to share data with the Chinese government. Even though TikTok says it keeps data on servers in the US, many are still worried about whether Chinese authorities could get their hands on this information. For instance, in June 2022, there were reports that TikTok employees had accessed American users' data, which only fueled these concerns further.

Due to these issues, TikTok has seen its share of restrictions. The platform has been banned from use by government officials in several places, including the European Parliament, Canada, and various US states. These steps are taken seriously to safeguard privacy and sensitive information, highlighting the global tension around data security and TikTok.

TikTok Scams

Due to minimal content moderation and a high influx of users, scams are common on TikTok. Here's what you should watch out for:

• Phishing scams. Watch out for messages or posts that look like they're from legit sources but are actually fishing for your personal info. They might use dodgy links that can install malware on your device.
• Fake giveaways. Scammers lure users with bogus prize giveaways to boost engagement or steal money and personal information.
• Romance scams. Some profiles aren't looking for love but for your wallet. They'll play on your emotions and may ask for money while dodging real-life contact.
• Follower and like scams. Scammers promise to increase your TikTok fame for a fee, claiming to boost followers or likes. It’s best to block and report them.
• Investment scams. Offers of fast cash, especially with risky investments like cryptocurrencies, are often traps leading to significant financial losses.
• Scam apps. Some TikTok accounts use captivating videos to promote useless apps with in-app purchases. In the worst-case scenario, they may contain viruses and spyware.

Cyberstalkers and Hackers

TikTok's popularity makes it a hotspot for online threats. Here's what to look out for:

• Harassment. This includes public shaming, abusive messages, or coordinated attacks.
• Cyberstalking. Some users might track your every move online, invading your privacy.
• Impersonation. Watch out for fake profiles pretending to be you or someone you know.
• Doxxing. The malicious practice of doxxing, where personal details are publicly disclosed, poses serious security and privacy risks.
• Account hacks. Hackers might take over your account for illegal activities or ransom.
• Data leaks. Your personal and financial information can be exposed if TikTok's data security is compromised. For instance, TikTok suffered a leak of private records via unsecured databases of a business partner (Deep Social).

Misinformation

TikTok struggles with controlling misinformation. Its automated moderation fails to cope, trapping users in a cycle of similar deceptive content. Misinformation is dangerous as it shapes false beliefs and can lead to harmful decisions. This affects not just young people but adults too, often due to poor information-checking habits.

Misleading content on TikTok often involves conspiracy theories and distorted facts about politics, wars, science, and history. For example, there have been instances of doctored videos or out-of-context clips aimed at misleading viewers about political figures or policies, influencing voter perception and decisions.

Inappropriate Content

TikTok users, including children, might see content that's not age-appropriate or is violent, impacting mental health. Here's a breakdown of the key risks:

• Promotion of unhealthy behaviors. The app's algorithm could push videos that encourage dangerous practices, like extreme diets, potentially leading to eating disorders.
• Mental health deterioration. Continuously watching certain types of content, such as those inducing sadness or stress, might worsen mental health issues like depression.
• Violence and desensitization. Regular interaction with violent content can negatively affect emotional well-being, lessen empathy, or increase aggression.
• Exposure to explicit content. You might encounter content with suggestive or inappropriate themes. This is concerning, particularly for its younger audience, as it can distort their views on relationships and intimacy.

TikTok Addiction

TikTok's addictive design hooks users with personalized videos in an endless scroll, easily leading to overuse. This continuous stimulation can foster a habit-forming addiction, affecting both adults and children. Uncontrolled consumption may lead to:

• Decreased attention span. Rapid consumption of short videos diminishes your ability to focus on longer tasks.
• Restlessness. You may become dependent on TikTok and feel uneasy when not scrolling through endless streams.
• Fear of missing out. The urge to stay updated with the latest trends can be overwhelming.
• Sleep issues. Late-night TikTok sessions disrupt sleep patterns and affect overall health.

How to Use TikTok Safely on iPhone, Android & Web

To enhance your safety on TikTok, I've got some security tips for you. They might not offer total protection, but they'll definitely help in making your TikTok journey a safer one.

Enable Security Options

TikTok offers security features to protect your account against unauthorized access. To see these options, tap the burger icon menu at the top right, select Settings and privacy, and click Security & permissions. Here’s what you can turn on:

• Security alerts. Set up security alerts to stay informed about suspicious activities, like unusual login attempts.
• Manage devices. Review and remove old devices linked to your TikTok account to avoid potential security breaches.
• 2-step verification. It adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a verification code (sent to your phone or email) to be able to log in, keeping your account safe from unwelcome visitors.

It's also possible to control app permissions, like access to the camera and microphone

Configure Privacy Settings

TikTok's privacy settings are crucial for maintaining your digital safety. These can be accessed in the Privacy tab from the Settings and Privacy menu within the app. Here’s what you can configure:

• Private account. When enabled, it allows only approved users from your follower list to watch your content or interact with you.
• Activity status. Turning it off prevents others from seeing when you’re online using the platform.
• Data syncing. You can prevent TikTok from importing data from your phone and linked social networks like Facebook.
• Location tracking. Set to Never in Location Services to ensure TikTok doesn't track your location.
• Account suggestions. You can prevent TikTok from suggesting your account to contacts or people you may know on other platforms.
• User interactions. The Interactions subsection lets you control who can see your stories, mention you, comment on your videos, or send direct messages.
• Visibility. It’s possible to limit the visibility of your following list, liked videos, and viewing history.

A private account helps maintain your online privacy

Follow Password Management Practices

Keep your TikTok account safe with strong password habits:

• Choose a strong password with a mix of upper case letters and symbols, not just basic words or numbers. You can use a password generator to quickly create a tough and unique password.
• Change your passwords often to keep things secure.
• Use different passwords for each social media account to avoid a domino effect if one gets compromised.
• Consider a password manager for easy and secure handling of all your passwords.

Set up Screen Time Limits

TikTok helps you balance your screen time with handy settings in the Screen Time tab under Privacy & Security. Here's what you can do:

• Daily screen time. Decide how long you want to spend on TikTok each day and get notified when you hit that limit.
• Screen time breaks. Set these up to take regular pauses, promoting a healthier app experience.
• Sleep reminders. Turn on reminders for bedtime to help you switch off.
• Digital wellbeing tips. Click on this for useful advice on keeping your TikTok use healthy and balanced.

These features are useful for managing your kids' screen time

Don’t Click on Suspicious Links

Be wary of content that directs you to unknown sites or apps. Such strategies are used by scammers, hackers, and other malicious actors.

• Avoid URLs embedded in TikTok videos, as they can redirect to harmful websites or phishing pages.
• Disregard links in comments or direct messages, as they often lead to phishing or malware-ridden sites.
• Steer clear of promotions for cryptocurrency investments, which are frequently fronts for fraudulent Ponzi schemes.
• Be cautious with links to unknown online services or apps, as these might be deceptive or harmful.
• Ignore offers that seem too good to be true, like giveaways or free trips; they are likely scams designed to steal personal information.

Check Your Videos for Sensitive Data

Revealing private information can attract identity thieves, doxxers, and stalkers. It’s crucial to keep your personal data safe while interacting on TikTok.

• Examine your videos to ensure they don’t reveal your identity, workplace, or other signs of your location.
• Avoid sharing personal details like your birthday, email, or home address in public posts.
• Ensure your TikTok bio is free from private information that could compromise privacy.
• Never reveal your documents or IDs in videos, even in the background.

Ensure Children’s Safety

TikTok’s default settings for underage users help ensure their safety. For example:

• Only users aged 18 and older can conduct transactions on TikTok shops.
• If you're under 16, your account is automatically private. Parents get to decide who sees their kids' posts.
• Direct messaging on TikTok is restricted to users over 16 to protect younger users from unwanted contacts.
• TikTok limits screen time for users under 18 to 60 minutes daily.
• Teens over 13 need a passcode for more screen time, and the younger ones need a parent's OK for another half-hour.
• You can also set up Family Pairing Mode. By linking your account with your child’s, it allows you to monitor and manage their TikTok usage.

It allows to limit the child's ability to search for content, users, hashtags, or sounds

Install an Antivirus Software

Installing an antivirus is essential for reinforcing TikTok security on mobile devices and desktops.

• Antivirus programs detect and eliminate malware that could compromise security or spy on activities.
• Firewalls prevent unauthorized access to your device when using TikTok.
• Regular antivirus updates ensure protection against the latest spyware targeting social media apps.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Using a VPN can significantly boost your safety and privacy on TikTok. By encrypting your internet connection, a VPN hides your real IP address, making it much harder for anyone to track your online activities. This means your location stays private, adding an extra layer of security, especially when you're posting or browsing content.

Manage Cookies on TikTok

Cookies enable TikTok to collect extensive data about user interactions and preferences, which can be used to build detailed user profiles. This practice is often seen as invasive, especially when data is used for extensive ad targeting or shared with third parties.

Controlling cookie settings helps protect your privacy by limiting how much data you share with TikTok and third-party advertisers. By understanding and managing cookies, you can enjoy a more secure TikTok experience without compromising on functionality. To opt out of tracking cookies, go to Settings > Privacy and Safety > Personalization and Data.

Delete Your TikTok Account

Deleting your TikTok account is like hitting the ultimate safety button. Think of it as your personal escape hatch from the world of endless scrolling and trending challenges. It's a big move, but if you're really looking for the highest level of security and peace of mind, saying goodbye to your account does the trick.

FAQs on TikTok Safety

Can TikTok read my messages?

Yes, TikTok can access the messages you send and receive on the platform. This is part of their policy to ensure user safety and compliance with legal requirements. The best way to ensure privacy in your communications is to avoid sharing sensitive or private information in TikTok messages.

Is TikTok safe for 9-year-old and 12-year-old kids?

TikTok has specific safety features for users under 13, but challenges like exposure to inappropriate content remain. It’s advised that parents actively oversee their child's TikTok use or activate the Family Pairing feature to enhance their safety.

Can TikTok access everything on my phone, including my camera?

TikTok requests access to your camera and media library for its core functions, such as video creation and upload. However, granting these permissions can affect your privacy. To improve your safety, consider turning off unnecessary permissions in your phone settings.

What happens if I delete my TikTok app?

Deleting the TikTok app will stop it tracking your device. However, the app deletion doesn’t erase your account or data stored on TikTok servers. You should delete your account permanently to remove all profile data. Although, it’s advisable to back up important information first.

Is TikTok safe if I don't post videos or comments?

Merely browsing TikTok without posting can still expose you to dangers. The platform collects excessive amounts of data and has harmful content. You can make your experience safer by following the safety tips, configuring Security and privacy settings, and using a VPN.

Can I remove my information from TikTok?

Yes, you can remove your information from TikTok. This involves deleting any personal data you've shared on your profile, erasing your posts, and, if you want to eliminate all traces, deactivating or deleting your TikTok account. Keep in mind, though, that some residual data might remain in TikTok's system, as is common with most social media platforms.

Is the TikTok shop safe and legit?

The TikTok Shop is generally safe and legit. It's an official platform provided by TikTok for businesses and creators to sell products directly through the app. TikTok has systems in place to ensure transaction security and user protection. However, like any online marketplace, it's always wise to exercise caution, protect your sensitive information, and check seller reputations before making purchases.

Is there a safe version of TikTok?

No, there isn’t a “safe version” of TikTok. For enhanced safety, it's more effective to adjust privacy settings and be mindful of the content you view and share, regardless of whether you're using TikTok on the web or through its mobile app.

However, since owned by Beijing's ByteDance TikTok is banned in China (what an ironic twist), Chinese netizens have Douyin, a twin app with similar features but tailored for the local audience, and under the watchful eyes of government censors.

Is TikTok safer than Instagram?

Determining whether TikTok is safer than Instagram isn't straightforward, as safety on these platforms depends largely on how they're used and individual user settings. It's often said that Instagram's content moderation is more robust, which might result in fewer instances of violent videos, inappropriate content, and conspiracy theories. However, this can be subjective and fluctuates with changes in policies and algorithms.

Is TikTok safe with a VPN?

Using a VPN can enhance your privacy on TikTok by hiding your IP address and encrypting your internet connection. This makes it harder for third parties to track your online activities. However, a VPN doesn't change how TikTok itself collects and uses your in-app data, such as viewing preferences or direct messages.

Can I see who viewed my TikTok profile?

Yes, TikTok offers a Profile View History feature that lets you see who has viewed your profile within the last 30 days. However, it's not turned on by default. To enable it, head to your profile, tap the three-line menu in the top-right corner to go into Settings and privacy, navigate to Privacy, and then Profile views. Here, you can toggle the Profile view history on. If you’re concerned about online tracking, use a reliable VPN.

Remember, for this to work, both you and the viewer must have this feature enabled. Once activated, simply tap the eye icon on your profile page to see a list of those who've checked out your profile.

Wrapping Up: Is TikTok Safe to Use?

Like many social media platforms, TikTok collects extensive user data, which raises concerns about privacy and how this information is used or shared. You may also encounter inappropriate content or misinformation, although TikTok has policies and moderation efforts to address these issues.

Additionally, there are concerns about the extent to which TikTok's data is accessible to foreign governments, particularly due to its ownership by a China-based company.

Given these concerns, you’re advised to use robust security settings, practice safe usage habits, and consider measures like traffic encryption to enhance your privacy and security on the platform. Extra caution is especially necessary for children due to their higher vulnerability to online risks.