TikTok: Safe or not?

Is TikTok Safe? Here's What You Need to Know

TikTok is one of the most downloaded and widely used apps in the world. Known for its addictive short videos and viral trends, it has become a global phenomenon. But at the same time, TikTok is also one of the apps that collects the most data about its users. This has sparked growing concern among experts, governments, and privacy advocates. So, the big question is: is TikTok safe?

Before you decide to download TikTok, it's important to consider the privacy and security implications that come with installing the app.

This article breaks down what TikTok is, how it works, what data it collects, and why it may pose a security risk.

What is TikTok as a social media platform?

TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create and share short videos. The TikTok app is extremely popular for its easy-to-use interface, personalized feed, and features like privacy settings, account management, and engaging user interactions. These videos can include music, voiceovers, filters, and text. TikTok’s algorithm is designed to spread content quickly and reward user activity. The more content you post and interact with, the more visibility you gain.

Originally launched by the Chinese company ByteDance in 2017, TikTok has gained over 800 million active users worldwide. Although it is especially popular among teenagers and young adults, people of all ages and even celebrities use the app.

TikTok is known for its viral challenges, dance trends, tutorials, and comedic skits. Users can also enjoy fun videos, which help make the platform more engaging and enjoyable for everyone. Its core purpose is entertainment, and it allows users to reach a large audience within a short amount of time.

What data does TikTok collect: How TikTok collects data

When asking is TikTok safe, one of the main concerns is its extensive data collection. Compared to other social media platforms, TikTok collects significantly more personal information.

Here are some examples of the data TikTok may collect:

• Information about your WiFi network

• Your mobile SIM card number

• Your phone contacts and calendar entries

• Your search history and clipboard activity

• Access to your camera roll and media

• Your location data

• A list of other apps installed on your device

• Facial and voice recognition data

• Keystroke patterns

• Behavioral data

• IP addresses

TikTok collects information from users, including behavioral data and technical details like IP addresses, for various purposes such as app performance, targeted advertising, and content personalization.

TikTok's data sharing practices involve sharing user data with business partners and third party service providers. This data sharing includes providing information to advertisers, analytics firms, and other entities that help maintain and operate the platform. TikTok share data practices and the extent to which they share user data with external parties have raised significant privacy concerns and regulatory scrutiny.

This level of access raises serious questions about user privacy and data security.

Why is this a problem?

The data TikTok collects could be used to build detailed user profiles. This information may potentially be shared with third parties, including companies and governments. TikTok shares data with a range of entities for business and regulatory purposes, increasing concerns about who can access user information. What makes TikTok particularly controversial is that its parent company, ByteDance, is based in China and subject to Chinese security laws.

Under these laws, Chinese authorities can request access to company data. ByteDance would have no legal grounds to refuse such a request. This means that user data from outside China could theoretically end up in the hands of the Chinese government.

Although many users assume they have nothing to hide, the issue is not about individual behavior but about the scale and sensitivity of the data collected. The more data TikTok gathers, the greater the potential for misuse or exposure in case of a breach.

Government response and security warnings

Due to these risks, several countries have taken action. In March 2023, the Danish Center for Cyber Security (CFCS) issued a warning against using TikTok on official government devices. Their statement highlighted concerns about the app’s wide-ranging access rights and the possibility of surveillance. National security concerns, including risks related to data privacy, espionage, and potential influence by foreign governments, have been a key reason for these government actions.

Similar bans have been implemented by the European Parliament and in multiple U.S. states. A TikTok spokesperson has responded by claiming that these bans are politically motivated and based on unfounded fears. The company also says it has taken steps to protect European user data by storing it locally.

Still, the CFCS recommends that users only download apps from trusted developers and always check which permissions an app requests. The agency encourages individuals to carefully consider whether an app is worth the potential risk. The Federal Trade Commission also plays a role in monitoring social media platforms like TikTok for scams and privacy violations.

Mental health and well-being

As a social media platform, TikTok has a significant influence on the mental health and well-being of its users, especially younger users and teens. The constant stream of curated videos and viral trends can make it easy for tiktok users to compare themselves to others, often leading to unrealistic expectations and a distorted sense of reality. This can negatively impact self-esteem and body image, particularly among young users who are still developing their sense of self.

TikTok’s algorithm is designed to keep users engaged, but it can also expose them to harmful content, including mature or age-inappropriate material. Repeated exposure to such content can contribute to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and even eating disorders. The pressure to keep up with trends or present a perfect online persona can also lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth.

However, TikTok is not all negative. For many, the social media app offers a creative outlet and a way to connect with others who share similar interests or experiences. There are supportive communities and resources available on the platform that can help users navigate mental health challenges and find encouragement.

To use TikTok safely and protect your mental health, it’s important to set boundaries around your screen time, take regular breaks, and make time for offline activities and real-life relationships. Parents and caregivers can support younger users by enabling parental controls, monitoring activity, and having open conversations about online safety and digital wellbeing. By staying aware of the potential risks and taking proactive steps, tiktok users can enjoy the benefits of the platform while minimizing its negative effects on mental health and well-being.

So, is TikTok safe?

The answer depends on how you define “safe.” TikTok, like many other apps, collects personal data, but the scope and sensitivity of the information it gathers is what makes it unique and potentially dangerous. The TikTok algorithm and TikTok's algorithm play a significant role in personalizing content for users, which can potentially expose them to risks related to data privacy, content manipulation, and security.

According to cybersecurity firm Internet 2.0, TikTok collects more data than nearly any other social media platform. The report gave TikTok one of the highest risk scores in the industry, raising further concerns about the app’s intentions.

While no app is entirely risk-free, TikTok presents a higher privacy risk due to the nature of its data collection and its ties to Chinese law. In addition to privacy concerns, TikTok poses various risks, including national security threats, mental health impacts, and the potential for its algorithm to amplify or suppress content in ways that may influence public opinion.

What Can You Do to Stay Safe?

If you choose to use TikTok, there are steps you can take to reduce the risks:

• Set your TikTok account to private so only approved followers can see your content

• Manage app permissions and review what data TikTok collects

• Use digital wellbeing features to monitor and limit your app usage

• Enable the family pairing feature or family pairing to help parents manage their children's TikTok usage

• Be cautious with direct messaging and control who can send direct messages or direct messages to you

• Limit the permissions you grant the app

• Turn off location access

• Avoid syncing your contacts or calendar

• Review your privacy settings regularly

• Avoid sharing sensitive personal information in your videos or profile

• Be careful when posting videos that may reveal sensitive information

• Protect your login credentials to prevent others from gaining access to your account

Using a private account is important for privacy and safety, as only approved followers can see your content. If you no longer wish to use TikTok, you can delete your account to remove your data from the platform.

Regularly review app permissions and be aware of what data TikTok collects, including how your information may be shared with third parties. Posting videos can sometimes reveal sensitive information, so always consider what you share and protect your login credentials to prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to your TikTok account.

Be aware of TikTok scams, tiktok spy concerns, and consider using dark web monitoring to protect your data from breaches. The family pairing feature and family pairing are valuable tools for parents to manage screen time, filter content, and control interactions for their children's TikTok accounts.

Take advantage of digital wellbeing features, practice critical thinking when engaging with content, and remember to maintain your physical health while using TikTok and other social media apps. There are risks of encountering adult content, mature content, and inappropriate content on TikTok, but TikTok safe for kids features and parental controls can help limit exposure.

Finally, it's important to understand how TikTok collects data, shares data, and the privacy risks involved compared to other social media sites and social media apps in the digital world.

Conclusion

So, is TikTok safe? Not entirely. While it is a popular and entertaining platform, it also poses significant privacy and security risks. The app collects more data than most competitors and is owned by a company operating under laws that could compromise your personal information.

Before downloading or using TikTok, it is important to consider how much access you are comfortable giving away. Use privacy settings, think critically about what you share, and stay informed about app policies and updates. Always follow on-screen instructions within the app to manage your privacy and security settings effectively.

Recent events have only heightened these concerns. In 2025, a threat actor claimed to have hacked TikTok and accessed sensitive user data. Around the same time last year, another cyberattack allegedly targeted high-profile TikTok accounts and gained access to their direct messages. These incidents serve as a reminder that even the most popular platforms are vulnerable and that users must remain cautious.

Sources

• Redbarnet.dk – "What is TikTok?"

• TV2.dk – "Experts say TikTok bans are justified"

• CFCS.dk – "CFCS recommendation on TikTok"

• CNBC – "UK cyber agency reviewing TikTok risks"

• Internet 2.0 – "TikTok collects more data than any other app"