TikTok & Security Risks

By | Nur Fazila Selamat, Nurul ‘Ain Zakariah, Zaihasrul Ariffin, Mohd Nor A’kashah Mohd Kamal, Thurgeaswary

Abstract – Quite a number of social media apps are recently coming in-trend, especially among the younger generations. One of the most popular apps is TikTok. This article explains what TikTok is and the risks faced when using the app. Upon downloading TikTok, users are provided several safety guidelines to defend and protect themselves, especially children from predators.

What Is Tiktok?

TikTok is a social media app made by the creator of Musical.ly [3]. TikTok is best known as Douyin in China. It is a lip syncing app through which users can create 60-second short lip sync and funny sketch videos. The app allows users to share their videos worldwide and build user communities. It additionally offers some great special effects that users can apply to make their videos funnier and more unique. 

Similar Social Media Apps

1. Dubsmash
   
   Dubsmash is the first app to introduce lip syncing to videos. In the earlier stages, users could only lip sync to movie and TV show dialogues. But with added features, users can now add music, quotes and sounds to their videos. 
   
   Dubsmash has the largest sound library in the world. Users can add stickers and animation effects to their videos to make them more attractive.
   
   
2. Vigo Video
   
   Vigo Video is a short video maker app that allows users to easily make funny short videos of 15 seconds. Users can edit their videos with special effects and animated stickers. The app also provides a real-time camera feature to smoothen skin, even out skin tone and remove blemishes. Users can collaborate with other users to make videos to increase their followers. When users get enough likes, views and comments, they are awarded flames that can be converted to real money.
   
   
3. FUNIMATE
   
   Funimate is an app for making music video clips, lip sync videos and slow motion videos. The app offers over 20 cool video effects to edit videos and also a variety of emojis, stickers and texts. It is also possible to merge, trim, cut and edit videos. On Funimate users can collaborate with their friends to make videos. The app presents daily challenges that let users feature themselves. Completing the daily challenges involves users showcasing their talent, thus increasing their popularity with followers. Funimate also offers the privacy option of sharing videos with friends and family through WhatsApp.

Security Risks

1. PORNOGRAPHY - TikTok has been the subject of many disturbing issues, including pornography, bullying, paedophilia and harassment. [3]
2. DATA LEAKAGE - TikTok illegally collects children’s personal information and exposes their location. [4]
3. INTRUSION - Security risks posed by this app involve the potential for attackers to compromise a smartphone’s microphone and camera access. [6]
4. SEXUAL COMMENTS - Tons of sexual comments have been found under videos posted by children as young as 9. Although the company has deleted the majority of sexual comments reported, the users who posted them are still allowed on the platform.
5. UNRELIABLE PLATFORM - When a video or picture is released on the Internet, it is hard to erase the content permanently. The picture or video can be edited, morphed or shared on other websites including the dark web too. [6]
6. UNRELIABLE ADMINISTRATORS - Despite receiving complaints, TikTok did not take any action to delete information about underage children. [5] A BBC investigation found that the app failed to suspend the accounts of users sending sexual messages to teenagers and children.
7. DO’S AND DON’TS - Users should familiarise themselves with the app’s community guidelines to understand the do’s and don’ts of the app.
8. PARENTING CONTROL - Users must be aware of the explicit and mature content of this app and understand that it is not suitable for all audiences. It is best for parents to review the app before letting their children use it. Parents can also manage who can comment and directly message their child on the app.
9. REPORT - Report accounts that cause issues.

Conclusion

Children and teenagers are in the age group with the highest tendency to subscribe to the TikTok social media app. Apart from the ‘fun’ kids seek, the app also unknowingly exposes users to risks that might open opportunities for predators to pounce on. Once trapped with the app, both parents and children must take extra precautions in terms of safety measures.

Remember that we need to be smart online. Parents should at least have knowledge of TikTok or any other social media apps on the market. Apart from limiting gadget usage, parents should always monitor their children’s activities and remind them of the consequences of the respective social media app. Do not easily expose your personal details, location, etc. because it might be the easiest way for predators like paedophiles to reach your children.