Safety Rating Explanation: TikTok is a national security threat because of its affiliation with the Chinese Communist Party. Parents should not allow their children to download it. If they already have, parents should make sure that they delete it immediately.
What Is TikTok?
TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create and share short videos. Users can add music, filters, and effects to their videos. The TikTok algorithm recommends videos to users based on their interests, and they can like, comment, and share other users’ videos.
What Is the “For You Page” (FYP)?
The For You Page is a personalized feed on the TikTok app where users can discover videos tailored to their interests. It uses algorithms to show a curated selection of content based on what a user has previously interacted with. This page is optimized to keep a user on the platform as long as possible.
Is the TikTok Algorithm Dangerous?
Yes. The TikTok algorithm is dangerous due to its potential to foster addictive behaviors and expose children to inappropriate content. By constantly tailoring content to users’ preferences and holding their attention, the algorithm encourages prolonged usage, contributing to digital addiction among both adults and children. Additionally, the algorithm’s reliance on engagement metrics can inadvertently lead to the circulation of content that is not suitable for young audiences, exposing them to harmful material. Therefore, the TikTok algorithm presents a credible threat to children’s well-being.
Who Is Watching My Child’s Content?
By default, TikTok accounts are automatically public, which means that anyone can view your child’s account and content. Switching to a private account provides insufficient protection of this data because of the app’s numerous security vulnerabilities.
What Are TikTok’s Security Risks?
TikTok’s data privacy practices are among the most invasive of any social media platform and include gathering users’ GPS locations, IP addresses, contacts, images, microphone recordings, and fingerprints and facial recognition data. Because TikTok is given access to a user’s clipboard when it is downloaded, it can collect saved passwords and, when paired with your email address, guess passwords for other platforms based on patterns it identifies.
What to Do About Tik Tok
Parents should delete TikTok from their child’s devices and, if possible, prevent them from ever downloading it.
