TikTok users are now scared and confused as to why the viral video app allegedly requires them to enter their iPhone password to view content.
Even more worrying is that experts say the reasons why TikTok, which had allegedly been caught spying on red-handed journalists in the past, are still unclear.
“TikTok itself does not explicitly state the exact cause,” according to an article by industry expert publication Dataconomy.
The highly concerning issue was reportedly first observed in late November and several more users raised the alarm throughout December, according to Dexerto.
It was also in this period that Apple released two urgent security updates for iPhone users and other products.
The most recent iOS update, which was released on December 11, fixed a bug that allowed access to sensitive user data.
The Post has contacted TikTok for comment.
The concern arose after the app reportedly instructed TikTok users to enter their iPhone password. Tik Tok
Dataconomy lists four possible reasons why TikTok insists on this personal security data, and none of them are very reassuring.
The site says the passcode could have been a “temporary security measure requiring passcode entry to address certain vulnerabilities or privacy concerns.” It may also be related to an app update, a crash, or the enabling of the content filter known as “restricted mode.”
“Restricted mode” could require a password to censor content, according to Dataconomy.
How to stop TikTok from asking for your iPhone password
It’s unclear exactly why TikTok asks for iPhone passwords. fake images
Experts warn that it is almost always a bad idea, especially in these circumstances, to share your password due to the obvious security risks and easy exposure to phishing attempts.
However, in this case, it seems that some have found suitable solutions.
TikTok users who were asked to provide their passwords said in a Reddit thread that the issue stopped once they updated their app to version 32.5.0.
There also seems to be another quick way around this.
“Some users have reported skipping the password prompt when selecting ‘cancel,’ indicating this could be a bug rather than an intentional feature,” according to Dataconomy.
It was also noted that closing restricted mode could also work.
Experts advise against giving apps like TikTok your iPhone password. fake images
This disturbing news comes shortly after Democratic Senator John Fetterman blamed TikTok for why many young people have a “warped” perspective on the current conflict between Israel and Gaza. Last September, European regulators fined TikTok $368 million for failing to protect children’s privacy.
In late 2022, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray warned lawmakers about “national security concerns” with Chinese-owned TikTok.
“They include the possibility that the Chinese government could use it to control the collection of data from millions of users, or control the recommendation algorithm that could be used for influence operations if they wish, or to control the software on millions of devices” .
Categories: Trending
Source: vtt.edu.vn