TikTok - Is TikTok safe to use for organisations?

Is TikTok safe to use?

TikTok, like all social media platforms, collects and processes personal data from its users. The security of this data is a critical concern for both TikTok and its users.

TikTok has implemented various security measures to protect user data. For example, it uses encryption to secure user data in transit and it stores user data in secure servers protected by firewalls and access controls. TikTok also regularly reviews and updates its security measures to protect against new threats and vulnerabilities.

However, no system can be completely foolproof and there is always some risk of a data breach or unauthorised access to user data. TikTok has experienced security incidents in the past and it continues to face scrutiny over its data practices and security measures.

Users can take steps to protect their data on TikTok by setting strong and unique passwords, being cautious about the information they share on the platform and regularly reviewing their privacy settings to ensure they are comfortable with the information TikTok is collecting and sharing about them.

The important question to ask is: Who has access to the data?

Does TikTok access data?

Yes, TikTok accesses and collects data from its users, as is the case with most social media platforms. When you use TikTok, the platform collects various types of data, including:

• User generated content: This includes the videos, comments and other content you upload to the platform

• Usage data: TikTok collects information about how you use the app, including the videos you watch, the accounts you follow and the interactions you have with other users

• Device information: TikTok collects information about the device you are using to access the app, such as the type of device, its operating system and unique device identifiers

• Location data: TikTok collects information about your location if you have given the app permission to access your device's location

• TikTok collects log data about your use of the app, such as your IP address, browser type and the date and time of your interactions with the platform

TikTok uses this data for a variety of purposes, including to improving the app's functionality, to deliver personalised content and advertising and to provide insights and analytics to its business partners. TikTok has also faced criticism and scrutiny over its data privacy practices, particularly regarding its data collection and storage practices, as well as its relationships with Chinese authorities.

It is important for users to be aware of the data that TikTok is collecting, how it is being used and to review and adjust their privacy settings as needed to ensure that they are comfortable with the information TikTok is collecting and sharing about them.

When talking about access to data then GDPR is important.

TikTok GDPR

TikTok is a social media platform that operates globally and therefore is required to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) when processing the personal data of individuals in the European Union.

Under the GDPR, individuals in the EU have the right to access, rectify and erase their personal data held by companies such as TikTok. They also have the right to restrict or object to the processing of their personal data, as well as the right to data portability.

TikTok is also required to provide individuals with clear and concise information about its data processing activities, including the purposes for which it processes personal data, the legal basis for such processing and the recipients of the data. TikTok must also obtain individuals' consent to process their personal data and must ensure that such consent is freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous.

Additionally, TikTok must implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure the security of personal data and must report data breaches to the relevant supervisory authority and affected individuals without undue delay.

This has caused several restrictions worldwide.

Why is TikTok banned?

TikTok has faced bans in several countries due to concerns over its content moderation policies, data privacy practices and national security implications.

• In 2020, India banned TikTok along with several other Chinese apps citing concerns over data privacy and security
• The United States also sought to ban TikTok over similar concerns, with former President Donald Trump issuing executive orders to prohibit the app's use. However, these bans were later suspended as the app's parent company, ByteDance, negotiated with the governments of these countries and made commitments to address their concerns
• The Danish National Parliament has advised against members and employees using TikTok (1th March 2023) which by the way is the similar case for the EU council and parliament

TikTok has also faced criticism and calls for bans in other countries over concerns about its content moderation practices. Some countries have raised concerns that TikTok could be used to spread misinformation or extremist content, or that it could be a platform for foreign governments to influence domestic politics.

The popularity and global reach of TikTok has made it a target for scrutiny and regulation in many countries, as governments seek to balance the benefits of social media with concerns about national security and privacy.

Meanwhile, if you are aware of these pitfalls and you are taking your precautions you might be interested in knowing how to use TikTok for example, for employer branding and recruitment purposes.

If yes, then please feel free to check out how to do it by clicking below.