TikTok has recently exploded in popularity. The video-sharing platform has fun things to watch, and you might just find your next favorite recipe.
The problem is that the platform has a shady history when it comes to security and privacy. In fact, we recently told you that TikTok has the ability to record everything you type. Tap or click here for our report.
Earlier this year, TikTok faced anger from US lawmakers, accusing it of capturing sensitive user data. Before that, its content moderation raised some eyebrows as many viral posts could seriously harm users. There’s a new reason why you should finally ditch TikTok for good. Keep reading for more details.
Here is the backstory
If you need more reasons to uninstall TikTok from your devices, pay attention to what the FCC recently said. Without mincing words, Brendan Carr, one of the five commissioners, called for an outright ban on the app.
In an interview with Axios, Carr said he doesn’t believe there’s a way forward for the app to work in the US and highlighted concerns about user data being sent back to China. Carr sent a letter to Apple and Google in June, calling on the tech giants to immediately remove the service from their respective app stores.
“TikTok’s behavior and misrepresentations regarding people in Beijing’s unfettered access to sensitive US user data violated Apple and Google standards,” Barr wrote.
Think the FCC is overreacting? A recent report from Dot.LA claims that the app collects tons of personal data. And although it is stated in TikTok’s privacy policy, few users take the time to read it.
The investigation revealed that TikTok receives names, ages, phone numbers and emails when you sign up for the service. TikTok also knows your approximate location and your mobile device’s identifiers, such as its IP address. This all adds up to personal data, biometric information and your keystrokes, Dot.LA said.
How to delete the TikTok app
The easiest solution to protect your data from TikTok is to delete your account and remove the app from your device. Deleting the app is a simple process for iOS and Android. Remember that deleting the app will not delete your data.
In order for your data to be deleted from TikTok, you will need to delete your account. Here’s how:
- Open the TikTok app.
- Faucet Profile at the bottom right.
- Press the three line icon top right.
- Faucet Settings and privacy.
- Faucet Manage your account > Delete account.
- Follow the app’s instructions to delete your account.
REMARK: TikTok says deleting your videos and data can take up to 30 days.
Now is the time to delete the TikTok app. Here’s how:
For android
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- At the top right, tap the Profile icon.
- Faucet Manage apps and devices > Manage.
- Tap the name of the app you want to remove.
- Finally, press Uninstall.
For Apple devices
- Long press the app icon on your device.
- Faucet Delete app > Delete app and finally, touch Wipe off.
keep reading
TikTok Challenge Triggers Incredibly Stupid FDA Warning
This TikTok Cleaning Trend Will Ruin Your Pipes — Don’t