Social media sites provide us with information, entertainment, and a window into the lives of others in today’s globalized society.
However, with data privacy and national security becoming more pressing issues, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers posed by certain applications, especially those developed in China.
The data-gathering techniques and possible links to the Chinese government have brought TikTok, a massively popular social media network controlled by the Chinese, under severe investigation.
This article will discuss the potential risks to national security posed by TikTok and will provide suggestions for limiting those risks while still using the app to its full potential. Although we’ll discuss options like accessing TikTok on the web, we’ll be careful to stress the need of taking extra measures to protect your privacy.
The Concerns Surrounding TikTok
1. Understanding the National Security Threat
TikTok’s potential effects on national security have been a source of significant worry for months. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is located in Beijing, and as a Chinese-owned social media platform, it is required to give the Chinese government with access to user data.
Sensitive data includes search and browser histories, photographs, messages, locations, voice prints, and audio recordings. As a result of this issue, certain government entities, as well as the state of Montana, have decided to outright prohibit the app.
2. Popular Yet Risky
Despite these worries, TikTok’s popularity continues to soar; it’s used by around two-thirds of American teenagers. Finding methods to use TikTok without jeopardizing your personal safety and security is essential, however.
Exploring Alternatives and Taking Precautions
1. Considering Your Options
TikTok’s online version may appear preferable, but users should be aware that they are still being tracked extensively. Therefore, preventative steps must be taken to ensure the safety of your private data.
2. Creating a Secure Environment
A cheap smartphone, sometimes known as a “burner phone,” may be an excellent way to create a safe space in which to use TikTok. Since its main function is to be used for social networking, there is no need for a high-end gadget. You can get by with a cheap, entry-level Android phone.
Embrace a Fresh Start with a Low-Cost Smartphone
1. The Trick to Starting Anew
You must immediately disconnect the burner phone from your main accounts after purchasing it. Stay away from entering your Google or Apple ID, as well as your work or personal email. Don’t give anybody access to your bank account or other private financial data, either.
2. A Separate Email Account
Create a separate email address that only this burner phone and your TikTok account will have access to. Doing so would ensure that any data TikTok or any other app gathers from your smartphone is kept separate from your identity.
3. Exercise Caution
Use caution with the apps you download and the information you upload while using the burner phone. This gadget is still linked to you, so think carefully about what you share with it.
Keeping Your Personal Information Separate
1. Home Network Considerations
If your burner phone is connected to your home network, it might compromise your other electronic gadgets. A malware infection on the burner phone might have consequences for other devices using the same network.
2. Establish a Guest Network
Installing a guest network in your house is one solution to these issues. Your burner phone and other approved devices may now access the internet without affecting your regular network’s performance.
3. Configuring Your Guest Network
The “Guest Network” setting may be found in the router’s configuration, usually through a mobile app or a web interface. You can find the IP address and admin password for your router in the manual.
These are the pieces of information you’ll need to set up your guest network. If this material is unavailable, you may still obtain help on other websites.
4. Naming Your Guest Network
You should give your guest network a name that is easily distinguishable from your primary network. You won’t accidentally join the incorrect network with your brand-new TikTok phone thanks to this differentiation.
Bottom Line
You can make use of TikTok without compromising your personal information or safety if you follow these guidelines. If you want to keep control over the information you provide, it’s important to be diligent and examine the app’s privacy settings on a frequent basis.
