Major tiktok security flaws found

Zhong, R. (2019, November 27) TikTok reverses ban on teen who slammed China’s Muslim crackdown. The New York Times, Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/27/technology/tiktok-censorship-apology.html.

TikTok steps up transparency efforts after privacy concerns in United States. (2020, March 11). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-tik-tok/tiktok-steps-up-transparency-efforts-after-privacy-concerns-in-united-states-idUSKBN20Y1N2

- This article states that TikTok is creating a content moderation center in order to deal with pressure from U.S. lawmakers. It also briefly touches on some background information, listing government agencies and figures that have either banned the app or raised concerns. This will provide context for my project, as well as an example of how TikTok is attempting to ease concern over privacy concerns.

Unpacking TikTok, Mobile Apps and National Security Risks. (2020, April 8). Retrieved from https://www.lawfareblog.com/unpacking-tiktok-mobile-apps-and-national-security-risks

- This article delves into TikTok's data privacy policy and the implications for users of the app. It discusses the uncertainty over whether the Chinese government can gain access to users' data, especially if those users are U.S. government employees. The article also discusses TikTok's ability to censor content inside and outside of China. This article will be a great background source for my project and will serve as the basis for how I analyze the political and ethical data mining issues that TikTok is facing.

Bergman, R. Frenkel, S. Zhong, R. (Jan. 8, 2020).Major TikTok Security Flaws Found. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/08/technology/tiktok-security-flaws.html

This article mainly talks about Tiktok had a serious security flaw that would have allowed hackers to gain user data and reveal personal information. According to Check Point’s intelligence unit examination, lots of functions of Tik Tok had security issues, including sending video files. Then, this article briefly states some law issue what Tik Tok faced in the USA.

Lieber, C. (Feb 28, 2019). TikTok has been illegally collecting children’s data. Vox. Retrieved from https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/2/28/18244996/tiktok-children-privacy-data-ftc-settlement

This article states that Tik Tok violates children's privacy laws in the US. TikTok paid the Federal Trade Commission a $5.7 million settlement because of illegally collecting the private information of children using the app. This article also deeply analyzed why Tik Tok dangers for children.

Jennings, R. (2019, December 16). What’s going on with TikTok, China, and the US government? Vox.com. Retrieved from

https://www.vox.com/open-sourced/2019/12/16/21013048/tiktok-china-national-security-investigation

This article explains two major threats that TikTok is facing, one is the investigation from the US government, one is a lawsuit brought by a college student alleging her data had been transferred to two Chinese servers. It explains in detail what’s happening to TikTok in the US and in China and why this issue matters.

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Brown, A. (2020, March 11). Chinese-Owned TikTok Will Open A ‘Transparency Center’ To Assuage Privacy Concerns. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/abrambrown/2020/03/11/chinese-owned-tiktok-will-open-a-transparency-center-to-assuage--privacy-concerns/#70e679ea776b

TikTok is planning to open a “Transparency Center” in Los Angeles this May. This article talks about how this center will function and how TikTok is working to solve privacy concerns.

Herrera, S. (2020, March 11). Chinese-Owned TikTok Launches U.S. ‘Transparency Center’ to Counter Criticism. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinese-owned-tiktok-launches-us-transparency-center-to-counter-criticism-11583898895?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=1

This article discusses TikTok’s latest measures to fight against the app’s privacy concerns, mainly from the U.S. The company said that it will open a facility in Los Angeles, so the U.S. officials and lawmakers can be more “involved” in the company’s operations.

Bose, N. (2020, March 12). U.S. senators seek to ban federal employees from using TikTok on their phones. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-tiktok/u-s-senators-seek-to-ban-federal-employees-from-using-tiktok-on-their-phones-idUSKBN20Z1E4

This article discusses how the concern around TikTok in the U.S. senate, where a bill was introduced with the aim to ban federal employees from using the app. This comes after growing national security concerns regarding the collection and sharing of data on U.S. users with the Chinese government.

Olenick, D. (2020, April 15). TikTok app inherently unsafe and a privacy risk. Retrieved from https://www.scmagazine.com/home/security-news/privacy-compliance/tiktok-app-inherently-unsafe-and-a-privacy-risk/

This article explains how TikTok is still useing HTTP software because it easier for transferring videos, however privacy is at risk. It leaves anyone using the TikTok app open to attacks where a threat could replace the video, photo or text being transmitted with spam or fake news designed to embarrass the sender.

OUTDATED RESOURCE. CHECK 2019 REPORT.

Privacy & Data Security. (2018). Federal Trade Commission. Retrieved from https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/privacy-data-security-update-2018/2018-privacy-data-security-report-508.pdf

This PDF is from the FTC website explaining the laws and regulations of Privacy and Data security that must be followed.

McCue, T. J. (2020, February 13). Is TikTok Raiding Your Privacy In 2020? Here Is How To Stop It. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/tjmccue/2020/02/13/is-tiktok-raiding-your-privacy-in-2020-here-is-how-to-stop-it/#37c8b7a369c8

TikTok is a Beijing based company that was launched in 2017. It is a video-sharing social network service owned by ByteDance and is used to create short-sync, comedy, and talent videos. The company targets people outside of China. The social network's connection to the Chinese government has created controversy for the U.S. National Security. The author of the article reached out to TikTok regarding privacy concerns and did not get a response. This article further discusses ways that individuals can lock down privacy on TikTok.

Aten, J. (2020, January 9). The Department of Defense is Warning People Not to Use Tik-Tok Over National Security Concerns . Retrieved from https://www.inc.com/jason-aten/the-department-of-defense-is-warning-people-not-to-use-tiktok-over-national-security-concerns.html

TikTok is now competing with social networks like Instagram and Snapchat. The platform is accused by the U.S. Department of Defense as a national security threat. The privacy concern comes from the app's "ability to convey location, image and biometric data to its Chinese parent company, which is legally unable to refuse to share data to the Chinese government." Check Point Research released a report that detailed multiple vulnerabilities in the TikTok app. It stated the app "would allow attackers to compromise accounts, obtain content, delete videos, and reveal personal information saved on the account." The article further discusses the privacy threats that users of TikTok face.

Yancey-Bragg, N., & Snider, M. (2019, July 19). Another app with privacy concerns: TikTok, a popular video app with ties to China. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2019/07/18/tiktoks-china-ties-explained-faceapp-draws-privacy-scrutiny/1757129001/

Last year, TikTok agreed to pay $5.7 million to settle the FTC’s complaint, which said the company violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act or COPPA. TikTok is also being investigated by the United Kingdom's Information Commissioner’s Office to determine if it violated the European Union’s data privacy law GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

Malara, N. (2020, March 11). TikTok steps up transparency efforts after privacy concerns in United States. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-tik-tok/tiktok-steps-up-transparency-efforts-after-privacy-concerns-in-united-states-idUSKBN20Y1N2

TikTok faced scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers who have accused it of sharing user data with the Chinese government. But TikTok company refuted claims and has said that U.S. user data is stored in the United States and that China does not have jurisdiction over content that is not in China.

NOT SPOT ON, BUT COULD BE RELEVANT DEPENDING ON HOW YOU DEVELOP THE ASSIGNMENT

Milkaite, I., & Lievens, E. (2020). Child-friendly transparency of data processing in the EU: from legal requirements to platform policies. Journal of Children & Media, 14(1), 5–21. https://doi-org.proxy.library.nyu.edu/10.1080/17482798.2019.1701055

Research has shown that both children and adults use online services and often accept their terms and conditions without actually reading them or feel they do not have a genuine choice (not) to agree with data policies. Efforts by online service providers and data protection authorities should be enhanced in order to ensure fair and transparent processing of children’s personal information.

Cite the source found within the database, such as a journal article or a photograph. APA style does not require Database information in its citations. Adding the database information makes it confusing.

Bergman, R., Frenkel, S., & Zhong, R. (2020, Jan 09). Security company found TikTok was vulnerable to hacking: [correction]. New York Times Retrieved from http://proxy.library.nyu.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.proxy.library.nyu.edu/docview/2334572026?accountid=12768

Research shows that Tiktok had serious vulnerabilities that would have allowed hackers to manipulate user data and reveal personal information. The app says it has fixed, but researchers still concerned.

Gaouette, N., & Browne, R. (2019, Dec 31). US Army bans soldiers from using TikTok over security worries. CNN Wire Service Retrieved from http://proxy.library.nyu.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.proxy.library.nyu.edu/docview/2331319919?accountid=12768

US army has banned the use of TikTok because the company is beholden to the Chinese Communist Party and will not secure the rights and privacy of its American users, politicians said the app could be used to spy on US citizens.

Carrie, M. (2020, March 11). TikTok to open ‘transparency center’ to counter privacy concerns. CNET.

https://www.cnet.com/news/tiktok-to-open-transparency-center-to-counter-privacy-concerns-in-us/

This article is talk about TikTok is controversial in the U.S. for being accused of being threat to national security. The company said that it will build a “Transparency Center” at Los Angeles, Lately they will give “outside experts” a chance to supervise and provided more details on privacy.

Jack,N. Mike,I and Ana S. ( 2019, November 1) TikTok said to be under national security review. The New York Times.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/01/technology/tiktok-national-security-review.html

This article is discusses about TikTok is the company that come from China has a very big potential for information leakage. Due to the different laws of various countries, the privacy policy of tiktok in China and Western countries is different. Therefore, the personal information of millions of Americans is likely to have been leaked, and this will pose a great risk to Western countries such as the United States. Experts advise people to protect their personal information and Tiktok is working hard to solve user privacy issues right now.

REPEAT

Jack,N. Mike,I and Ana S. ( 2019, November 1) TikTok said to be under national security review. The New York Times.Retrieved from

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/01/technology/tiktok-national-security-review.html

This article is discusses about TikTok is the company that come from China has a very big potential for information leakage. Due to the different laws of various countries, the privacy policy of tiktok in China and Western countries is different. Therefore, the personal information of millions of Americans is likely to have been leaked, and this will pose a great risk to Western countries such as the United States. Experts advise people to protect their personal information and Tiktok is working hard to solve user privacy issues right now.

ARBEL, T. (2020). Teens love the video app TikTok, but others are worried about privacy and graphic content. Retrieved 20 April 2020, from https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/parenting/ct-life-ap-tiktok-concerns-video-app-20200302-ojtefgrgk5e7ddyalrzzgsamsi-story.html

The article states the concern of privacy and content issue of tiktok.

REPEAT

Nicas, J., Isaac, M., & Swanson, A. (2019). TikTok Said to Be Under National Security Review. Retrieved 20 April 2020, from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/01/technology/tiktok-national-security-review.html?_ga=2.243050306.1766968547.1587416628-373957368.1585168094

Due to the privacy and content issue, tiktok will be under national security review in the US.

QUESTIONABLE SOURCE

Littleton, T. (2020, March 30). The challenges TikTok must overcome to stay on top in 2020. Retrieved from https://thenextweb.com/podium/2020/04/01/the-challenges-tiktok-must-overcome-to-stay-on-top-in-2020/

This article explains a series of key challenges that Tiktok must face up if it is to maintain its meteoric trajectory and cement its place as a global media powerhouse.

Kharpal, A. E. S. (2019, December 16). How TikTok went from a fun viral app to caught in the crosshairs of the US government. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/16/how-tiktok-went-from-a-fun-viral-app-to-a-us-national-security-concern.html

This article explains how TikTok changed from an interesting application to the target of the US government.

Doffman, Z. (2020, March 13). Beware If You Use TikTok On Your iPhone: Here’s Why You Should Now Worry—New Security Report. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2020/03/12/simple-apple-security-hack-if-you-have-tiktok-on-your-iphone-look-away-now/#1b3600af1d61

This article analyzes how TikTok was captured on iPhone and iPad from the perspective of researchers

Condliffe, J. (2019, November 8). The Week in Tech: TikTok Is in Trouble. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/08/technology/tiktok-government.html

The article indicates the problem that TikTok may be forced to send data to the Chinese government since a Beijing company owns it. Due to the laws in China, TikTok may be required to comply with intelligence operations. The sharing of Americans’ data with China is a big issue related to privacy.

Vigdor, N. (2020, January 4). U.S. Military Branches Block Access to TikTok App Amid Pentagon Warning. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/04/us/tiktok-pentagon-military-ban.html

The Department of Defense advised military personnel to remove TikTok from government-issued and personal smartphones. Pentagon’s warning also indicated that military personnel should delete TikTok from all smartphones. Since TikTok is a Chinese-owned app, it may leak American’s data to China. It is a threat to American’s privacy. This decision is consistent with the efforts to proactively address existing and emerging threats as secure and defend the network.

Williams, R. D. (2019, November 19). Reflections on TikTok and Data Privacy as National Security. Retrieved April 20, 2020, from https://www.lawfareblog.com/reflections-tiktok-and-data-privacy-national-security

This Lawfare blog provides relevant information about TikTok’s suppression of content and the collection of private user data. The U.S. government is investigating TikTok because video content that goes against the agenda of the Chinese Government gets removed or censored. This article is useful for my assignment because it examines the global effects and risks of censoring social media.

Socolow, M. J., Sutton, S., Sitrin, C., Mahoney, B., Gerstein, J., & Touré, M. (2019, November 2). The Trouble with TikTok. Retrieved April 20, 2020, from https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2019/11/02/the-trouble-with-tiktok-229890

Politico discusses how TikTok deals with controversial content by putting the video/user profile on hold and banning them from the wider network of users. This portrays the serious threats of political censorship and the importance of free speech. This article will be a useful resource when determining all of the ethical issues that TikTok is experiencing.

FORMAT

Spangler, T. (2020). TikTok hires ex-ADP security chief roland cloutier amid data privacy scrutiny. Los Angeles: Penske Business Corporation. Retrieved from http://proxy.library.nyu.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.proxy.library.nyu.edu/docview/2372428950?accountid=12768

This feature gives information on how TikTok is attempting to address privacy concerns. The company hired Roland Cloutier as CISO to oversee cyber security at TikTok. He has over ten years of experience working for different divisions of government, including the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense. This article will be useful when examining TikTok’s ethical issues and what it’s doing to resolve existing concerns.

Fry, M. (2020, Jan 02). TikTok's popularity could mark the death of privacy. The Examiner Retrieved from http://proxy.library.nyu.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.proxy.library.nyu.edu/docview/2332039672?accountid=12768

This article discusses the inevitable implications of TikTok’s popularity. Over 26 million individuals in the USA use the app and many more around the world. This large number of traffic creates security risks, such as the collection of private user data. This info will be relevant to my assignment in understanding the extent of TikTok’s influence on society.

REPEAT

Arbel, Tali. (2020, March 2) Teens Love the Video TikTok, But Others Are Worried About Privacy And Graphic Content. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved from https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/parenting/ct-life-ap-tiktok-concerns-video-app-20200302-ojtefgrgk5e7ddyalrzzgsamsi-story.html

Talks about the juxtaposition of the highly popular ‘fun’ app that is drawing scrutiny from parents and the US Government alike.

Channick, Robert. (2019, December 12) Did Your Kids Sign up For TikTok Or Musical.ly? You Can Claim A Share of $1.1 Million Class-Action Privacy Settlement. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved from https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-tiktok-class-action-privacy-settlement-20191211-u3aoprbuifho7g4qj3hdafitgq-story.html

Explains background of case and resulting settlement parameters

LEVINE, ALEXANDRA. (2020, March 12). Senate bill would ban TikTok on federal employees' work phones. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/12/senate-bill-would-ban-tiktok-on-federal-employees-work-phones-126727

This article explains the U.S. reaction to the TikTok privacy issue.

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Libby, K. (2020, April 9). Could TikTok Be Spying on You? Retrieved from https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/apps/a31260575/tik-tok-spying/

This article analyzes TikTok's potential danger to the privacy rights.

Ohlheiser, A. (2019). ‘This app is free and therapy is not’: Gen Z will keep using TikTok even if they don’t trust it.

News article that profiles Gen Z's attitudes towards TikTok. They admit to knowing it has privacy concerns, but decide to use it anyway because "This app is free and therapy is not"

NO INFORMATION ABOUT SOURCE

Perez, S. (2020). TikTok to launch parental controls globally, disable direct messaging for users under 16 – TechCrunch.

News article that discusses new parental controls launched by TikTok this month. Now parents will have more control over how their children use the app.

CITATION FORMAT

1. Tik or Tok? Is TikTok secure enough?

https://research.checkpoint.com/2020/tik-or-tok-is-tiktok-secure-enough/

In the last few months we have seen evidence of the potential risks embedded within the TikTok application, and this has been acknowledged as well by others in the industry

2. The U.S. Navy banned TikTok from government-issued smartphones over cybersecurity concerns

https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2019/12/23/us-navy-bans-personnel-using-tiktok-government-issued-phones/2732203001/

The U.S. Navy thinks TikTok is a threat to national cyber security.

REPEAT

3. TikTok Hires Ex-ADP Security Chief Roland Cloutier Amid Data Privacy Scrutiny

https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/tiktok-adp-roland-cloutier-data-privacy-1203525894/

“As TikTok grows and serves an ever-larger, more diverse global community, we have a clear responsibility to continue to maximize security on our platform,” Zhu, who previously co-founded Musical.ly, said in a statement.

FORMAT

TikTok Gains Global Momentum — but Also Raises Sticky Privacy Questions

https://variety.com/2019/biz/features/tiktok-lil-nas-x-users-1203433409/

As the first Chinese-owned social media platform to become the most downloaded app in the U.S., TikTok is under intense scrutiny over how it stores personal user data and whether it censors content Beijing doesn’t like. Evidence that ByteDance is involved in pushing propaganda related to China’s crackdown on Muslims in its northwestern Xinjiang region could also give Americans pause.