A new report from the cybersecurity company Feroot Security reveals that TikTok can track you even if you've never used the app before. This deeply concerns me and comes as the Biden administration still debates whether the popular social media app should be banned here in the United States. Here's what we know so far.
How can TikTok track me if I've never used the app?
According to Feroot, TikTok has trackers on it that are called pixels. These pixels can pop up on any website that has a TikTok video embedded in it. These trackers can pick off tons of information, including your usernames, passwords, credit card, banking information, and details about your personal health. Even if a site requires extra logins and authentications, the TikTok pixels are just collecting all that information and transferring it around the globe.
TikTok is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, and the company is required to turn over any data and information they collect to the Chinese government at a moment’s notice. Therefore, your data can be shared with the Chinese government and used to spy on you or spread misinformation about the American people.
MORE: ASK KURT: ARE TIKTOK VIDEOS SAFE TO VIEW OUTSIDE OF THE APP?
What is the Biden administration doing about this?
The Biden administration has been trying to come to an agreement with TikTok about data security for the last two years. They have warned ByteDance that they may have to sell the app or face a total ban on the app throughout the United States. The app has already been banned in the United Kingdom among government-issued devices, and unless an agreement can be made fast, it wouldn't be surprising if we start seeing the same kind of bans happening here.
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How can I limit the information that TikTok can access from me?
If you still want to use TikTok, you just have to be careful about what information you're putting out there. Here are some ways that you can limit as much information you can that TikTok can access from you.
Turn off sharing with your contacts and Facebook friends
Disable personalized ad sharing. Here's how:
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Make your account private.Here's how:
Download your data to find out what TikTok has collected on you. Here's how:
Will you continue to use TikTok after learning this information? Let us know your thoughts.
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