TikTok is a data collection service masquerading as a social network, claims researcher
4 years, 6 months ago

TikTok is a data collection service masquerading as a social network, claims researcher

Firstpost  

Research has found that TikTok was collecting information on users’ phone hardware, apps, network-related information, among various other things. Just after the Indian government banned TikTok and 58 other Chinese apps in India for ‘protecting user data’, a Reddit thread has picked up steam where a hobbyist researcher claims that “TikTok is a data collection service that is thinly-veiled as a social network.” A Redditor who goes by the username bangorlol, reverse-engineered the TikTok app. Don’t let your friends and family use it.” The researcher reportedly found that TikTok was collecting information on users’ phone hardware, the apps on their phone, network-related information like IP address, router mac, Wi-Fi access point name, and if a user’s phone was rooted or jailbroken. We recently covered research by Talal Haj Bakry and Tommy Mysk, according to which, TikTok was among 54 iOS apps that were snooping on users’ sensitive clipboard data including passwords, addresses and anything else in the clipboard. However, as per an ArsTechnica report, TikTok “continues to access some of Apple users’ most sensitive data, which can include passwords, cryptocurrency wallet addresses, account-reset links, and personal messages.”

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History of this topic

How the US TikTok Ban Would Actually Work
55 years ago

How the US TikTok Ban Would Actually Work

Wired  

TikTok’s day of reckoning in the US has arrived. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, states that ByteDance must sell TikTok’s US business to a non-Chinese company by January 19—no buyer has yet been found—or see the app blocked in the US. The Supreme Court, which is hearing the case quickly due to the impending deadline and …

ByteDance’s Lemon8 gains traction amid TikTok ban threat as creators push the app
1 day, 9 hours ago

ByteDance’s Lemon8 gains traction amid TikTok ban threat as creators push the app

Associated Press  

Hearing a lot about Lemon8 lately? Amid a looming U.S. ban on TikTok, content creators have been pushing the platform’s sister app. Lemon8’s popularity could potentially soar further depending on the outcome of a U.S. Supreme Court hearing Friday over a law requiring TikTok to break ties with ByteDance or face a U.S. ban. TikTok said the integration was designed …

Banning TikTok won’t solve your data-security problem
Trending News
1 day, 19 hours ago

Banning TikTok won’t solve your data-security problem

Live Mint  

During last year’s presidential campaign, Kamala Harris regularly posted on TikTok, encouraging voters to follow her on the platform, as did Joe Biden before he withdrew. he wrote on Truth Social last week, above a bar graph that showed his TikTok views outpacing not only Ms. Harris’s but also those of Tucker Carlson and Taylor Swift. As Scientific American reported …

TikTok users want SCOTUS to think it’s more about dance videos than Chinese international intrigue
Trending News
1 day, 21 hours ago

TikTok users want SCOTUS to think it’s more about dance videos than Chinese international intrigue

CNN  

CNN — TikTok, the popular social media platform celebrated for its frothy mix of dance videos, cat antics, news clips and recipes, will wage a substantial First Amendment battle at the Supreme Court on Friday. “Most of it consists of things like dance videos, home-repair tutorials, and montages of weekend getaways.” More importantly as a matter of First Amendment protection, …

TikTok could be banned in the US in days. Creators are left in limbo
Trending News
3 days, 21 hours ago

TikTok could be banned in the US in days. Creators are left in limbo

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. If the government prevails as it did in …

What happens if the US bans TikTok?
5 days, 1 hour ago

What happens if the US bans TikTok?

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery TikTok’s role in ensuring non-famous people experience viral fame is …

Life after TikTok: The European country that banned videos
1 week ago

Life after TikTok: The European country that banned videos

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “It will have a huge impact on my business …

Small businesses brace themselves for potentially disruptive TikTok ban
1 week, 2 days ago

Small businesses brace themselves for potentially disruptive TikTok ban

Associated Press  

A looming TikTok ban could affect the millions of small businesses that use the short-video social media app to help them grow their business. According to TikTok’s own estimates, small businesses on TikTok would lose more than $1 billion in revenue in a single month if the ban goes into effect. The Justice Department ordered the app’s China-based parent company, …

Albania announces shutdown of TikTok for at least a year
Top News
2 weeks, 4 days ago

Albania announces shutdown of TikTok for at least a year

The Hindu  

Albania on Saturday announced a one-year ban on TikTok, the popular short video app, following the killing of a teenager last month that raised fears over the influence of social media on children. Prime Minister Edi Rama said after meeting with parents' groups and teachers from across the country that the ban, part of a broader plan to make schools …

Another blow to China's TikTok, now THIS country bans it for a year, says, 'it incites violence, bullying'
2 weeks, 4 days ago

Another blow to China's TikTok, now THIS country bans it for a year, says, 'it incites violence, bullying'

India TV News  

In what comes as another blow to TikTok, Albania on Saturday announced that it will shut down the video service platform for a year, accusing it of inciting violence and bullying. The announcement was made by Albania's prime minister Edi Rama, who at a meeting with teachers and parents, said TikTok "would be fully closed for all." TikTok's operations in …

One billion users, but controversies mount up for TikTok
2 weeks, 5 days ago

One billion users, but controversies mount up for TikTok

Hindustan Times  

TikTok's breakneck rise from niche video-sharing app to global social media behemoth has drawn intense scrutiny, particularly over its links to China. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said Saturday the government would shut down social network TikTok for at least a year from 2025. The EU is probing whether far-right presidential candidate Calin Georgescu's surprise victory in the first round …

One billion users, but controversies mount up for TikTok
2 weeks, 5 days ago

One billion users, but controversies mount up for TikTok

Hindustan Times  

TikTok's breakneck rise from niche video-sharing app to global social media behemoth has drawn intense scrutiny, particularly over its links to China. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said Saturday the government would shut down social network TikTok for at least a year from 2025. The EU is probing whether far-right presidential candidate Calin Georgescu's surprise victory in the first round …

TikTok the thug of the neighbourhood, says PM as Albania shuts down app for at least a year
2 weeks, 5 days ago

TikTok the thug of the neighbourhood, says PM as Albania shuts down app for at least a year

New Indian Express  

TIRANA: Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced Saturday that the government will shut down social network TikTok for at least a year starting at the beginning of 2025. During a meeting in Tirana with Albanian teachers, parents and psychologists Rama said that "TikTok is the thug of the neighbourhood". The killing sparked a debate in the country among parents, psychologists …

TikTok ban in numbers: The rise and impending fall of the world’s most controversial app
3 weeks ago

TikTok ban in numbers: The rise and impending fall of the world’s most controversial app

The Independent  

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. This has helped bring the total number of TikTok users around the world to above 2 billion, …

U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear TikTok ban case
3 weeks, 1 day ago

U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear TikTok ban case

Raw Story  

The US Supreme Court agreed on Wednesday to hear TikTok's appeal of a law that would force its Chinese owner to sell the online video-sharing platform or shut it down. The law, signed by President Joe Biden in April, would block TikTok from US app stores and web hosting services unless ByteDance sells its stake by January 19. "Congress has …

Supreme Court will take up TikTok’s bid to avoid US ban
3 weeks, 1 day ago

Supreme Court will take up TikTok’s bid to avoid US ban

Politico  

Instead, the justices decided to receive full legal briefing through the holidays on the First Amendment issues at stake and to hear the case before Trump’s inauguration. “We’re pleased with today’s Supreme Court order,” TikTok spokesperson Michael Hughes said. “We believe the Court will find the TikTok ban unconstitutional so the over 170 million Americans on our platform can continue …

TikTok’s last hope? CEO Shou Chew meets Donald Trump ahead of US ban deadline
3 weeks, 2 days ago

TikTok’s last hope? CEO Shou Chew meets Donald Trump ahead of US ban deadline

Live Mint  

TikTok CEO Shou Chew reportedly met with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Monday, just weeks before a US ban on the app is expected to take effect. Ban deadline looms The shutdown of TikTok is slated for January 19 under a law signed by President Joe Biden unless its parent company, ByteDance Ltd., agrees to divest the …

TikTok ban in numbers: The rise and impending fall of the world’s most controversial app
Trending News
3 weeks, 2 days ago

TikTok ban in numbers: The rise and impending fall of the world’s most controversial app

The Independent  

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. This has helped bring the total number of TikTok users around the world to above 2 billion, …

TikTok Shop was going to be the next big thing. A potential ban could change that
3 weeks, 5 days ago

TikTok Shop was going to be the next big thing. A potential ban could change that

CNN  

CNN — Aakaanksh Autade was iffy on TikTok Shop, TikTok’s in-app shopping feature, when it launched last year. “When you mix in commerce with our favorite source of entertainment, then we’re going to spend all our money there.” TikTok Shop’s reliance on user-generated content allows consumers to hear from voices they trust. Courtesy Carrie Berk Social media strategist Keenya Kelly …

TikTok files challenge against Canadian government order to dissolve its business in the country
4 weeks, 1 day ago

TikTok files challenge against Canadian government order to dissolve its business in the country

Associated Press  

TikTok has challenged a Canadian government order to shut down the Chinese video-sharing app’s business operations in the country that was imposed over national security concerns. The Canadian federal government last month announced it was ordering the dissolution of TikTok Technology Canada Inc. after a national security review of its Chinese parent company ByteDance Ltd. TikTok argues in its court …

Why does the US want to ban TikTok: List of allegations against the app
1 month ago

Why does the US want to ban TikTok: List of allegations against the app

Hindustan Times  

A US federal appeals court has upheld a law mandating that ByteDance, the Chinese company behind the popular short-video app TikTok, must divest its US operations by early next year or face a potential ban. TikTok has said "an entity affiliated with the Chinese government owns 1% of a ByteDance subsidiary, Douyin Information Service," and says the holding "has no …

TikTok facing US ban after losing appeal agains Biden govt's law requiring ByteDance divestment
1 month ago

TikTok facing US ban after losing appeal agains Biden govt's law requiring ByteDance divestment

Firstpost  

The popular video-sharing app is expected to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court while seeking support from Trump, who has become an unlikely ally in opposing the ban While TikTok has distanced itself publicly from China, ByteDance’s role remains evident. Reuters TikTok is facing a potential US ban after losing a court appeal Friday against a law requiring its …

Federal Appeals Court Upholds Law Requiring Sale Or Ban Of TikTok In U.S.
Trending News
1 month ago

Federal Appeals Court Upholds Law Requiring Sale Or Ban Of TikTok In U.S.

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING A federal appeals court panel on Friday upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in a few short months, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the law, …

US appeals court upholds TikTok law forcing its sale
1 month ago

US appeals court upholds TikTok law forcing its sale

Al Jazeera  

The ruling increases the possibility of an unprecedented ban in just six weeks of TikTok in the US. A United States federal appeals court has upheld a law requiring Chinese-based ByteDance to divest itself of its popular short video app TikTok in the US by early next year or face a ban. It was carefully crafted to deal only with …

TikTok is one step closer to being banned in the US
1 month ago

TikTok is one step closer to being banned in the US

CNN  

New York CNN — TikTok has lost its bid to strike down a law that could result in the platform being banned in the United States. Denying TikTok’s argument that the law was unconstitutional, the judges found that the law does not “contravene the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States,” nor does it “violate the Fifth Amendment …

TikTok lost a major legal bid to avoid a U.S. ban. Now what?
1 month ago

TikTok lost a major legal bid to avoid a U.S. ban. Now what?

LA Times  

A visitor passes the TikTok exhibition stands at the Gamescom computer gaming fair in Cologne, Germany, in 2022. “Here the Government acted solely to protect that freedom from a foreign adversary nation and to limit that adversary’s ability to gather data on people in the United States.” Legal experts said they expect TikTok will appeal its case to the Supreme …

The Future of TikTok Is Being Decided This Week
1 month ago

The Future of TikTok Is Being Decided This Week

Wired  

Republicans and Democrats sank ungodly amounts of money into creating content for TikTok this election year, but there’s a chance the app might not be around in the US come next cycle. The law put in place a system that would ban TikTok if the app’s parent company, Bytedance, didn’t sell to a US-based owner by January 19, 2025. Soon, …

Court upholds a U.S. ban on TikTok
1 month, 1 week ago

Court upholds a U.S. ban on TikTok

NPR  

Court upholds a U.S. ban on TikTok toggle caption Drew Angerer/Getty Images A federal appeals court on Friday upheld a law banning TikTok nationwide unless the viral video app was sold off by its China-based parent company, rejecting TikTok's claim that the crackdown violates the free speech rights of millions of Americans. In its ruling, the court said that it …

Safety is ‘at the core’ of TikTok, European executive says
1 month, 1 week ago

Safety is ‘at the core’ of TikTok, European executive says

The Independent  

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The safety of TikTok users “is at the core of the platform”, one …

TikTok seeking Musk's advice ahead of potential ban in the US, incoming Trump administration
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok seeking Musk's advice ahead of potential ban in the US, incoming Trump administration

Firstpost  

The US administration, under outgoing President Joe Biden, had been raising alarms that TikTok could be compelled to share user data with the Chinese government. Leadership at TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, a Chinese tech firm, views Musk as a potential intermediary to the incoming administration. TikTok’s troubles in the US The US administration, under outgoing President Joe Biden, had been …

Trump wanted to ban TikTok. Will his return to office help save it?
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Trump wanted to ban TikTok. Will his return to office help save it?

LA Times  

The fate of TikTok in the U.S. has been up in the air since 2020, when then-President Trump moved to ban the popular video app because of national security concerns. One hitch: Trump recently changed his mind, joining TikTok in June and posting on social media, “Those who want to save TikTok in America, vote for Trump.” “We’re not doing …

Trump led the charge to ban TikTok. Now he says he’ll save it
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Trump led the charge to ban TikTok. Now he says he’ll save it

Al Jazeera  

Trump has pledged to ‘save’ popular Chinese-owned app despite signing an order to ban it during his first term. On the campaign trail, Trump, who signed an executive order seeking to ban the app during his first term, pledged to “save TikTok” but neither he nor his transition team have disclosed further details about what this might mean for ByteDance. …

Canada Orders Dissolution Of TikTok's Business In The Country But Won't Block App
2 months ago

Canada Orders Dissolution Of TikTok's Business In The Country But Won't Block App

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING TORONTO — Canada announced Wednesday it won’t block access to the popular video-sharing app TikTok but is ordering the dissolution of its Canadian business after a national security review of the Chinese company behind it. Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said it is meant to address risks related to ByteDance Ltd.’s establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc. “The …

Canada orders shutdown of TikTok’s Canadian business, ‘govt taking action to address…’
2 months ago

Canada orders shutdown of TikTok’s Canadian business, ‘govt taking action to address…’

Live Mint  

Canada on Wednesday ordered Chinese-owned TikTok's business in the country to be dissolved, citing national-security risks, but added the government was not blocking Canadians' access to the short-video app or their ability to create content. "The government is taking action to address the specific national security risks related to ByteDance Ltd's operations in Canada through the establishment of TikTok Technology …

Canada orders TikTok’s Canadian business to be dissolved but won’t block app
2 months ago

Canada orders TikTok’s Canadian business to be dissolved but won’t block app

The Hindu  

Canada announced Wednesday it is ordering the dissolution of TikTok’s Canadian business after a national security review of the Chinese company behind the social media app but said it won't block access. Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said it is meant to address risks related to ByteDance Ltd.’s establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc. “The government is not blocking Canadians’ access …

Canada orders TikTok's Canadian business to be dissolved but won't block app
2 months ago

Canada orders TikTok's Canadian business to be dissolved but won't block app

New Indian Express  

TikTok is wildly popular with young people, but its Chinese ownership has raised fears that Beijing could use it to collect data on Western users or push pro-China narratives and misinformation. TikTok faces intensifying scrutiny from Europe and America over security and data privacy. Canada previously banned TikTok from all government-issued mobile devices. Michael Geist, Canada research chair in Internet …

TikTok Employees Shrug Off the US Election
2 months ago

TikTok Employees Shrug Off the US Election

Wired  

TikTok is one of the tech companies that could be most impacted by the outcome of the US elections. “There’s little you can do as an ordinary employee, and everyone thinks that way, so the result is business as usual.” WIRED talked to half a dozen employees at TikTok and its parent company ByteDance on the condition of anonymity, and …

TikTok has known about how the app can harm teens and preteens, new documents show
2 months, 3 weeks ago

TikTok has known about how the app can harm teens and preteens, new documents show

NPR  

TikTok has known about how the app can harm teens and preteens, new documents show AYESHA RASCOE, HOST: TikTok executives were acutely aware of the potential dangers the app could cause to teens but appeared unconcerned, even though the company's own internal research validated the fears child safety advocates have been raising for years. But in internal documents, TikTok admitted …

Inside the TikTok documents: Stripping teens and boosting 'attractive' people
2 months, 4 weeks ago

Inside the TikTok documents: Stripping teens and boosting 'attractive' people

NPR  

Inside the TikTok documents: Stripping teens and boosting 'attractive' people toggle caption Damian Dovarganes/AP Kids as young as 15 were stripping on TikTok’s live feature fueled by adults who were paying for it. TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes beautiful people When TikTok’s main video feed saw “a high volume of … not attractive subjects” filling everyone’s screens, the app rejiggered its algorithm …

TikTok executives know about app’s effect on teens, lawsuit documents allege
2 months, 4 weeks ago

TikTok executives know about app’s effect on teens, lawsuit documents allege

NPR  

TikTok executives know about app’s effect on teens, lawsuit documents allege toggle caption Sebastien Bozon/AFP via Getty Images For the first time, internal TikTok communications have been made public that show a company unconcerned with the harms the app poses for American teenagers. “Unfortunately, this complaint cherry-picks misleading quotes and takes outdated documents out of context to misrepresent our commitment …

Kentucky AG inadvertently reveals messages showing TikTok execs knew app could harm teens: report
2 months, 4 weeks ago

Kentucky AG inadvertently reveals messages showing TikTok execs knew app could harm teens: report

Salon  

A review of TikTok's internal communications suggests executives were aware the app could potentially harm teens because of its addictive nature but pursued them as users anyway, according to NPR. The company's communications reveal that employees knew the app could harm teens' mental health if they spent too much time on it, according to NPR. Among the revelations: TikTok users …

TikTok sued by multiple states for allegedly causing harm to children’s mental health
3 months ago

TikTok sued by multiple states for allegedly causing harm to children’s mental health

The Independent  

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. …

Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta files lawsuit against TikTok for exploiting young users
3 months ago

Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta files lawsuit against TikTok for exploiting young users

LA Times  

Rob Bonta joined several other attorneys general in filing lawsuits Tuesday against TikTok, alleging the popular social media app is exploiting young users, violating state consumer protection laws and misleading the public. Rob Bonta and several other state attorneys general filed a coordinated blitz of lawsuits Tuesday against TikTok, alleging the popular social media app is exploiting young users, violating …

TikTok sued by 14 attorneys general over alleged harm to children’s mental health
3 months ago

TikTok sued by 14 attorneys general over alleged harm to children’s mental health

CNN  

New York CNN — A bipartisan group of 14 attorneys general from across the country filed lawsuits on Tuesday against TikTok, alleging that the platform has “addicted” young people and harmed their mental health. “TikTok’s underlying business model focuses on maximizing young users’ time on the platform so the company can boost revenue from selling targeted ads,” the attorneys general …

TikTok’s Defense Strategy Involves Throwing Shein and Temu Under the Bus
3 months, 2 weeks ago

TikTok’s Defense Strategy Involves Throwing Shein and Temu Under the Bus

Wired  

TikTok went all out to defend itself in a court hearing last Monday, to block a law that could force TikTok to be sold or banned in the United States. Earlier this year, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which aims to prevent national security threats from apps like TikTok, took less than two months to pass …

Poll: More turning to TikTok for news in US
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Poll: More turning to TikTok for news in US

China Daily  

Small toy figures are seen in front of TikTok logo in this illustration picture taken March 15, 2021. About 4 in 10 young adults in the US now regularly get news on TikTok, according to a Pew Research Center analysis published on Tuesday. Today, 39 percent of adults under 30 say they regularly get news on TikTok, compared with shares …

TikTok to begin appeal against possible US ban
3 months, 3 weeks ago

TikTok to begin appeal against possible US ban

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy TikTok will go head-to-head with …

Nepal lifts TikTok ban imposed for disrupting ‘social harmony’
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Nepal lifts TikTok ban imposed for disrupting ‘social harmony’

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Nepal on Thursday decided to …

Nepal lifts TikTok ban after blocking app over ‘social harmony’ concerns
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Nepal lifts TikTok ban after blocking app over ‘social harmony’ concerns

Al Jazeera  

Move comes weeks after Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli was sworn into office following the collapse of the previous government. The move comes after Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, who was sworn in last month after the collapse of the previous coalition government, issued a directive calling for the equal treatment of all social networking platforms, state-run National …

TikTok disputes U.S. claims on China ties in court appeal
4 months, 3 weeks ago

TikTok disputes U.S. claims on China ties in court appeal

The Hindu  

TikTok told a federal appeals court on Thursday that the U.S. Department of Justice has mis-stated the social media app's ties to China, urging the court to overturn a law requiring China-based ByteDance to sell TikTok's U.S. assets or face a ban. TikTok said on Thursday it is undisputed that the app's content recommendation engine and user data are stored …

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