In recent years, TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms, especially among young people. However, its massive growth has raised significant concerns about privacy and data security. One major issue is the ease with which sensitive personal information can be widely shared on TikTok.
This is concerning because once private documents, photos, videos or other personal data is uploaded, it can quickly go viral and be seen by millions of strangers. Teens in particular may not fully grasp the privacy implications of sharing certain content publicly on TikTok.
There are also worries that foreign governments or hackers could potentially access users’ data stored by TikTok. Overall, many experts argue TikTok users should be cautious about what they upload and share on the platform.
The Popularity of TikTok
TikTok has exploded in popularity over the last few years. As of December 2022, TikTok has over 1 billion monthly active users globally according to TikTok Statistics You Need to Know in 2024. In the US alone, TikTok reached approximately 65 million monthly active users in 2022. Its user base has been growing at an astonishing pace, with global users increasing by 45% from 2021 to 2022.
A major factor driving TikTok’s popularity is its addictive short-form video format. Videos on TikTok, known as “TikToks”, are limited to 3 minutes maximum. This bite-sized video style appeals strongly to young audiences with short attention spans. The app’s powerful recommendation algorithm is also a key part of what keeps users coming back. It determines a user’s interests based on their interactions and serves up a never-ending stream of personalized content.
TikTok has become the go-to platform for viral challenges, dances, lip-syncs, comedy, and talent videos that capture the creativity of Generation Z. With its fun, irreverent culture TikTok has grown to rival major social networks like Instagram and Snapchat. According to 21 Essential TikTok Statistics You Need to Know in 2024, TikTok was the most downloaded app on iOS in 2022. Its popularity and influence within younger demographics helps explain why TikTok has become such a cultural phenomenon.
TikTok’s Data Collection
TikTok collects a wide range of user data, including location information, browsing history, and device identifiers (CRSReports, 2022). Much of this data is sent to servers in China, raising concerns that the Chinese government may access it. According to a 2022 study by Consumer Reports, TikTok collects as much user data as platforms like Facebook and Google (PBS, 2023).
Specifically, TikTok accesses users’ clipboards frequently, tracks users’ keystrokes, and collects biometric data via facial recognition technology (Time, 2022). TikTok also scans users’ photos for facial recognition matches without permission. All this data could be used to train algorithms and build detailed profiles of users.
Perhaps most concerning is that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is based in China and subject to Chinese national security laws. This means the Chinese government could potentially access TikTok’s data on U.S. users. Experts warn that this presents risks of censorship, surveillance, and the targeting of military and government personnel (CRSReports, 2022).
Ease of Sharing Sensitive Info
TikTok’s format, which centers around short videos and viral trends, can make it easy for users to accidentally share private documents and data without realizing it. For example, a user filming a quick video in their home or office may unintentionally capture sensitive information in the background, such as paperwork with Social Security numbers or computer screens with confidential data.
Additionally, popular TikTok challenges and trends can lead users to accidentally overshare private details. Challenges that tell users to show off their homes, cars, family members, or workspaces could easily result in revealing things users didn’t intend. Private documents or identifiable information might be visible in the videos without the user realizing it until after posting.
An ICO investigation found that TikTok had breached UK data protection regulations through features that collected excessive personal data from children. While aimed at children’s privacy, experts note this highlights the ease of oversharing data on TikTok without full understanding.
TikTok Challenges
TikTok’s challenge culture can encourage users to overshare sensitive information or engage in risky behavior in hopes of going viral. Challenges that ask users to reveal private details about themselves, their relationships, finances, or home life can lead to unintended and dangerous oversharing.
For example, the recent “Show Your Teen’s Room” challenge led some users to give full tours of their teenage children’s bedrooms, often showing personal information unintentionally. The “Money Brag” challenge encouraged users to share screenshots of account balances or expensive purchases, compromising financial privacy. Even fun challenges like the “Flip the Switch” dance trend can reveal more of users’ homes than intended if not carefully planned out.
The desire for more views, likes, and fame on the platform can drive users to share things they may later regret. Setting privacy boundaries and carefully considering challenges is important on an app like TikTok where viral content spreads rapidly. Users, especially teenagers, should be mindful of challenges that could lead to oversharing private details publicly.
Limited Privacy Controls
TikTok has minimal privacy controls compared to other major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. Users have limited options to make their accounts private or restrict data collection. According to Wired, making your TikTok account private only prevents other users from downloading, stitching, or duetting your videos. It does not limit TikTok’s own data collection. Additionally, TikTok still allows other users to view, like, and comment on private account videos through share links.
Unlike Facebook and Instagram, TikTok lacks granular privacy settings to limit data tracking and sharing. There is no option to turn off targeted ads or analytic tracking, which are always enabled by default according to TikTok’s privacy policy. TikTok also states that private account activities can still inform recommendations and advertisements. Overall, TikTok provides users with very little control over their data privacy compared to other major platforms.
Going Viral
One of the appeals of TikTok is the chance for videos to go viral and gain a massive audience overnight. With over 1 billion monthly active users, a video that goes viral on TikTok can easily be seen by millions of people.
However, this also poses risks if sensitive personal information is shared. Once a video goes viral, it can be impossible to remove it fully from the platform and regain control over who sees it.
Videos containing bank account details, phone numbers, home addresses, and other private data have accidentally gone viral on TikTok. In some cases, this has led to serious harassment or financial fraud for the people involved.
It’s important to carefully consider what you share in any TikTok video. Assume anything you post, even privately, could end up being seen by strangers. Avoid oversharing personal details that could be used to compromise your identity or finances if a video went viral unexpectedly.
If a personal video does go viral, act quickly to have it removed before it spreads too far. But the best approach is being cautious with sensitive information in the first place.
What Should You Avoid Sharing
There are certain types of sensitive documents and data that you should avoid sharing on TikTok to protect your privacy and security.
Financial information like bank statements, tax records, and credit card numbers should never be shared on TikTok. Posting screenshots or photos containing this type of personal finance data makes you vulnerable to identity theft and financial fraud. According to privacy experts, it’s wise to avoid showing any banking or payment app screenshots as well [1].
Official identification documents with your full legal name, birthdate, address, and other personal details can facilitate identity theft if shared online. Government-issued IDs like driver’s licenses and passports should be kept private [2].
Personal communications like text messages, emails, and DMs should not be screenshotted or recorded and posted without the other party’s consent. Sharing private conversations out of context violates trust [3].
In general, it’s wise to think twice before publicly posting any documents, screenshots, photos, or recordings containing sensitive personal details that could compromise you if they fell into the wrong hands.
How to Protect Your Privacy
TikTok can pose risks to user privacy if not managed properly. Here are some tips to help safeguard your privacy on TikTok:
Make your account private. This limits your content to only people you approve as followers. Go to your profile, tap the 3 lines in the top right, choose “Privacy and Settings”, and enable “Private Account”.
Turn off data sharing with third parties. Go to “Privacy and Settings” and disable “Share usage data” and “Share geo-location data”.
Disable comments from strangers. Go to “Settings and privacy” then “Privacy” and limit commenting to “Friends” or turn it off entirely.
Be careful about revealing personal info like phone numbers or addresses. Consider nicknames and avoid showing school names or workplaces.
Review tags before posting videos. Don’t tag strangers or locations you don’t want to be associated with.
Consider restricting Restricted Mode which limits mature content. Go to “Digital Wellbeing” then “Restricted Mode” to enable it.
Be cautious in videos, challenges and trends. Avoid risky behavior or oversharing. Always protect your safety.
Regularly check privacy settings as TikTok may change options without notice. Keep your settings locked down for maximum control.
Overall, limit sharing of personal details, be careful in videos, restrict data access, and use privacy settings to stay safer on TikTok.
Conclusion
TikTok’s rise in popularity has led many users to overshare personal information through videos, messages, and by participating in viral trends. While fun and entertaining, users should be aware of how their data is being collected and utilized behind the scenes.
As discussed, TikTok’s privacy controls are limited compared to other platforms. Once something is posted or shared, it can easily spread beyond your control. Video’s you intend just for friends can go viral worldwide. Private messages and sensitive information are exposed to data collection as well.
Before participating in the latest TikTok dare or sharing your documents, consider what information you are comfortable being public. Avoid oversharing personal details, contacts, official records, or other sensitive content. Remember that anything posted can potentially be seen by millions.
While TikTok can be fun to use, approach it with the same caution and common sense you would on other public platforms. Be mindful of your privacy and how viral trends or features may expose your data without your consent. With awareness and care, you can enjoy TikTok more safely.
