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Security on TikTok

TikTok collects more data than any other social network. Understand what is shared and how to protect your privacy.

1B+ users
100+ data points collected
40% users under 18
Privacy Data Collected Protection For Children
Privacy at Risk: TikTok can access your clipboard, precise location, contacts and much more - even when you're not using the app.

The TikTok Dilemma

TikTok is one of the most addictive and popular apps in the world, but it's also one that collects the most data. Several countries' governments have already banned its use on official devices. This doesn't mean you need to stop using it, but you need to understand the risks and adjust your settings.

Data Collection

What TikTok Knows About You

According to TikTok's own privacy policy, this is the data collected:

Personal Information

  • Name, age, email, phone
  • Profile photo and bio
  • Private message content
  • Phone contact list

Device Data

  • Model, operating system, unique ID
  • Typing and touch patterns
  • Battery, available storage
  • Installed apps
  • Clipboard content

Location

  • Precise GPS (if allowed)
  • IP address
  • Connected Wi-Fi network
  • SIM card information

Behavior

  • Videos watched and viewing time
  • Interactions (likes, comments, shares)
  • Searches performed
  • Content you create and how you interact

Biometrics

  • Voice and audio fingerprints
  • Facial characteristics (faceprints)
  • Movement patterns

Financial Data

  • Payment information
  • In-app purchase history
  • Virtual currency transactions
Where does your data go? TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company. Data can be accessed by employees in China, although the company claims to store it in other countries.
Privacy

Real Privacy Risks

High Risk

Clipboard Access

TikTok was caught constantly reading the clipboard. This means passwords, texts and links you copy can be captured.

High Risk

Detailed Profile

With all the data collected, TikTok can create an extremely detailed profile about you: preferences, personality, political orientation, financial condition, etc.

Medium Risk

Child Exposure

Children and teens can be exposed to inappropriate content and contact with strangers. Predators use the platform to approach minors.

Medium Risk

Lives and Scams

During lives, scammers use social engineering tactics to get fraudulent donations or personal information.

Protection

How to Minimize Risks

You can continue using TikTok more safely by following these settings:

High Priority

Make Your Account Private

A private account means only approved followers can see your content.

Path: Profile → Menu (≡) → Settings → Privacy → Private account

High Priority

Disable Location

Remove TikTok's location permission in your phone settings.

On iPhone:

  1. Settings → TikTok → Location → Never

On Android:

  1. Settings → Apps → TikTok → Permissions → Location → Deny
High Priority

Don't Sync Contacts

Don't give TikTok permission to access your contacts. If you already did, revoke it.

Path: Settings → Privacy → Sync contacts → Disable

Medium Priority

Limit Personalized Ads

Path: Settings → Privacy → Personalization and data → Disable options

Child Protection

Safety for Children and Teens

If you're a parent or have children who use TikTok, these settings are essential:

Family Pairing

Link your child's account to yours to manage settings remotely.

Settings → Family Pairing

Screen Time

Set how much time per day the child can use the app.

Settings → Digital Wellbeing → Screen time management

Restricted Mode

Filters potentially inappropriate content for minors.

Settings → Digital Wellbeing → Restricted mode

Disable Direct Messages

For users under 16, DMs are disabled by default. Make sure to keep it that way.

Parents Attention: TikTok officially requires a minimum age of 13. But it's easy to lie about age when signing up. Talk to your children about the risks.