Is TikTok Safe? The Truth About TikTok Privacy Risks (2025)

Can I trust TikTok? For users older than 13, TikTok collects any information you disclose on your profile and any data from third-party apps, like Google or Instagram, you use to set up your account (TikTok's privacy policy, 2024)¹. TikTok security breaches and tracking are also a huge concern, as is evident in the possible US TikTok ban.

According to Statista, 36% of US citizens are very worried about TikTok's security and privacy risks, as opposed to the 23% that aren't². With over 2 billion users worldwide (DamandSage, 2025)³, my team and I set out to investigate the risks of using TikTok.

We dug deep into TikTok's features, user agreement, content guidelines, and more. In this article, I'll highlight the specific risks that different users might face, including kids, adults, and even government officials. 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.

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How Safe Is TikTok?

TikTok has made significant efforts to enhance security, including introducing features like parental controls, content moderation, and customizable privacy settings. Still, the app aggressively gathers user data, which raises questions about how this data is stored, shared, and used.

The personal data collected by the social media app gets shared with third-party advertisers. However, by implementing privacy controls, regularly updating your security settings, and avoiding oversharing personal details, you can significantly reduce your exposure to privacy and security risks.

TikTok also faces concerns about its ties to China. While the company claims to adhere to strict privacy laws and denies sharing data with the Chinese government, privacy advocates and governments worldwide remain skeptical.

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 that it collects data to enhance app functionality and refine its recommendation algorithm. To this end, TikTok meticulously logs your device data and all in-app interactions:

What does TikTok know about me? Here’s a breakdown of all the information TikTok collects from you:

• 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. In 2022, TikTok even admitted to using user location data to track the movements of a US journalist (Financial Times, 2022)⁴.
• 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. According to a 2022 study by URL Genius, TikTok shares your data with up to 13 third-party networks⁵.

• 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, which is why the US wants to ban TikTok. 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.

Due to these issues, TikTok has seen its share of restrictions. Government officials have banned The platform from use in several places, including the European Parliament, Canada, Australia, and various US states (Euronews, 2025)⁶.

Most recently, the US banned TikTok for a short while on 19 January 2025, but President Trump’s intervention has temporarily lifted the ban. 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 legitimate 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. It is a huge concern, especially for kids, with Safe Search Kids reporting that there’s a 64% chance of minors experiencing cyberbullying on TikTok⁷.
• 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.

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How To Stay Safe While Using TikTok 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.
• Turn on login alerts. This will send you notifications whenever a new device signs in to your TikTok account.

You can even 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.

Configure the options to suit your privacy preferences

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.

You can also use these features to manage your kids' screen times

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.

Help Your Your Child's Data Private

TikTok’s default settings for underage users help keep their data safe. 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, you can monitor and manage their TikTok usage.

Use it to limit a 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, the best VPNs for TikTok hide 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 TikTok account does the trick.

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Are There Safe TikTok Alternatives?

If you’re concerned about TikTok’s safety but still want to enjoy short-form video content, several alternatives provide similar features with potentially better privacy practices. Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Snapchat Spotlight, Triller, and Dubsmash are some safe TikTok alternatives. These platforms prioritize user security while offering a creative space to share and explore videos.

Where is TikTok Banned or Restricted?

TikTok faces bans or restrictions in several countries due to concerns about data privacy, national security, and content moderation. These limitations vary, from outright bans to partial restrictions on usage.

• India. TikTok has been banned in India since June 2020 due to national security concerns and its links to China. The Indian government cited risks to user data and sovereignty as reasons for the ban.
• United States. The US temporarily banned TikTok on 19 January 2025 over concerns that China was gathering user data. The ban was quickly lifted, but another one might be on the way. President Trump’s government gave TikTok 90 days to sell 50% of the company to US buyers.
• Afghanistan. The Taliban banned TikTok in 2022, claiming the platform spread immoral content and was a distraction to the younger population.
• Indonesia. TikTok faced temporary bans in Indonesia for hosting content deemed inappropriate or harmful. Although the app was reinstated, stricter regulations now govern its use.
• Pakistan. TikTok has been banned multiple times in Pakistan for hosting content deemed offensive or contrary to local cultural norms. The bans are often temporary but highlight ongoing concerns.
• China. Interestingly, TikTok is not available in China. Instead, the country uses a separate version called Douyin, which complies with China’s strict internet regulations.

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FAQs on TikTok Safety

Can TikTok read my messages?

Yes, TikTok can read, monitor, and store all direct messages sent through its platform. The company's automated systems scan messages for prohibited content, spam, malicious links, policy violations, and inappropriate content. To protect your privacy on TikTok, avoid sharing sensitive or private information through TikTok DM.

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

TikTok can access your phone’s camera, microphone, and other features, but only if you grant it the necessary permissions. To stay safe, regularly review and manage the permissions you’ve granted to TikTok in your device’s settings. Only enable permissions when actively using features and disable them afterward to maintain control.

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

TikTok still collects extensive data about your device, location, browsing habits, and interactions, even if you’re only watching content. TikTok uses this data for personalized recommendations and targeted advertising. To enhance your safety, adjust your privacy settings, limit app permissions, and avoid linking TikTok to other accounts or services.

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.

Conclusion

Will TikTok steal my information? TikTok collects extensive user data, which raises concerns about privacy and how this information is used or shared. In fact, in 2023, the EU imposed a $384 million penalty on TikTok for privacy violations under the GDPR (Edge Delta, 2024)⁸. There are also 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, I encourage you to use robust security tools and practice safe usage habits to protect your data on TikTok. Extra caution is essential for children due to their higher vulnerability to online risks.

References

1. https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/us/privacy-policy/en/
2. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1465282/us-tiktok-concerns-opinions/
3. https://www.demandsage.com/tiktok-user-statistics/
4. https://www.ft.com/content/e873b98a-9623-45b3-b97c-444a2fde5874/
5. https://app.urlgeni.us/blog/new-research-across-200-ios-apps-hints-surveillance-marketing-may-still-be-going-strong
6. https://www.euronews.com/next/2025/01/17/which-countries-have-banned-tiktok-cybersecurity-data-privacy-espionage-fears/
7. https://www.safesearchkids.com/cyberbullying-on-tiktok-ensuring-your-childs-emotional-safety/
8. https://edgedelta.com/company/blog/data-privacy-statistics/