TikTok users are now scared and confused as to why the viral video app is allegedly demanding they enter their iPhone’s password to view content.
Worryingly, experts say the reasons why TikTok – which has reportedly been caught spying on journalists in the past – remain unclear.
“TikTok itself does not clearly state the real cause,” according to an article from industry specialist publication Dataconomy.
The highly concerning issue was reportedly first noticed in late November and saw several more users sounding the alarm throughout December, according to Dexerto.
During this time period Apple also released two urgent security updates for iPhone and other product users.
A more recent iOS update, which rolled out on December 11, patched a bug that allowed access to sensitive user data.
The Post has reached out to TikTok for comment.
Concerns have been raised after users on TikTok were reportedly instructed by the app to enter their iPhone passwords. Tick tock
Dataconomy lists four potential reasons why TikTok is pushing for this personal security data — and none of them are very convincing.
The site says the passcode may be a “temporary security measure that requires the entry of a passcode to address certain vulnerabilities or privacy concerns.” It may also be tied to app updates, interruptions or enabling content filters known as “restricted mode”.
“Restricted mode” may ask for a password as a filter for content, per Dataconomy.
How to deal with TikTok asking for your iPhone password
It’s not clear why TikTok is asking for the iPhone’s password. Getty Images
Experts warn that it’s almost always a bad idea, especially in these circumstances, to share your password because of the significant security risks and easy exposure to phishing attempts.
However, in this case, it seems that some have found a suitable solution.
TikTok users prompted to provide their passwords said on a Reddit thread that the issue stopped once they updated their app to version 32.5.0.
It seems there is another quick way to avoid this as well.
“Some users have reported bypassing the passcode prompt by selecting ‘cancel,’ indicating that this may be a bug rather than an intentional feature,” according to Dataconomy.
It also states that turning off restricted mode may also work.
Experts advise against giving out your iPhone password to apps like TikTok. Getty Images
The troubling news comes shortly after Democratic Senator John Fetterman blamed TikTok for why many young people have a “misguided” perspective on the current Israeli-Gaza conflict. Last September, European regulators fined TikTok $368M for failing to protect children’s privacy.
In late 2022, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray warned lawmakers of “national security concerns” with China’s TikTok.
“It includes the possibility that the Chinese government could use it to control data collection on millions of users, or control recommendation algorithms that could be used to influence operations if they chose, or to control software on millions of devices.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
