A cybersecurity expert is raising alarms about the popular apps TikTok and Temu, urging users to delete them due to significant privacy concerns linked to their connections with China. The expert highlights that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is based in Beijing and may be legally required to share user data with the Chinese government. This has led to growing fears over the extent of personal information that could be compromised, making people question whether TikTok is a security risk.
TikTok collects a wide range of data from its users, including names, locations, biometric identifiers like facial recognition and voiceprints, and even the content of private messages. The app also tracks users’ activities across other websites and apps, and it can monitor and store information such as IP addresses, device models, and purchase histories. This extensive data collection raises serious concerns about how this information could be used or potentially misused.
The U.S. government has already begun taking steps to mitigate these risks. Starting August 15, U.S. House of Representatives staffers will be banned from using ByteDance apps on government devices. This ban includes TikTok, as well as other apps owned by ByteDance, such as the video editing app CapCut, the photo editing app Hypic, and the social media platform Lemon8. These apps are all linked to ByteDance, and by extension, the Chinese government, increasing fears about data privacy and security.
Temu, a shopping app that became highly popular in 2023, is also under scrutiny. Owned by PDD Holdings, a Chinese company that also owns Pinduoduo, Temu offers low prices on a wide range of products, which has made it a hit with consumers. However, the app can access and monitor user activity across other apps, track notifications, read private messages, and even change device settings. This raises questions about whether Temu is safe to buy from or even safe to use. The association with Pinduoduo, which was removed from the Google Play Store due to malware concerns, further adds to the worries surrounding Temu.
Given these risks, the cybersecurity expert advises users to consider deleting these apps entirely or at least limiting the permissions they grant. For those who feel they must continue using TikTok, Temu, or similar apps, the expert recommends installing them on a separate device that isn’t linked to personal information like email or banking details. This approach helps minimize the risks and protect users’ privacy in an environment where personal data is increasingly vulnerable. Taking these precautions is crucial for those who wish to continue using these popular yet potentially dangerous apps.
