TikTok users are expressing fear and confusion as the popular video app reportedly demands their iPhone passwords for unspecified reasons.
Concerns escalate as experts highlight the lack of clarity behind Chinese-owned TikTok's motives, especially in light of its past involvement in spying on journalists, reported The New York Post.
The issue, first observed in late November and subsequently reported by alarmed users in December, suspiciously coincided with urgent security updates from Apple. The latest iOS update on Dec. 11 addressed a bug that exposed sensitive user data, adding another layer of concern to TikTok's sudden iPhone password request.
Dataconomy, an industry expert publication, revealed that TikTok has not explicitly stated the cause behind the iPhone password demand.
Dataconomy speculations include the possibility of it being a temporary security measure addressing vulnerabilities or privacy concerns linked to an app update, glitch, or associated with the content filter known as "restricted mode."
Experts caution against sharing passwords due to inherent security risks and susceptibility to phishing attempts.
However, some TikTok users claim the issue ceased after updating their app to version 32.5.0. Others report bypassing the passcode prompt by selecting "cancel," suggesting a potential bug rather than an intentional feature. Turning off restricted mode may also serve as a workaround.
This development follows recent criticism of TikTok's impact on public perception, with Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., attributing a "warped" perspective on the Israel-Gaza conflict to the platform.
In September, European regulators fined TikTok $368 million for privacy failures related to children.
FBI Director Christopher Wray had previously warned of "national security concerns" tied to TikTok's Chinese ownership, citing potential misuse by the Chinese government.
"The Chinese government could use it to control data collection on millions of users or control the recommendation algorithm, which could be used for influence operations if they so choose, or to control software on millions of devices," Wray warned.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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