Kim Albarella, Head of TikTok Global Security announced that the short-form mobile video app is introducing a key tool of Security Checkup to protect the accounts of its users. This security protocol will provide an all-in-one security dashboard to review and update account security settings. While elaborating about the features of this up-gradation, Albarella said
“With its clear, comprehensive view, users can take control, make updates in seconds, and stay safe and secure with confidence.”
The timing of this advancement by TikTok is very critical. On April 5, TikTok faces a potential in the United States if it is not sold to a non-Chinese buyer. Former US President Joe Biden took this initiative and later extended by Donald Trump in his executive orders. The decision was made owing to the national security threat associated with TikTok, which has been alleged to steal US citizens’ data. Now, it appears that TikTok has introduced this security checkup tool to reassure its global users.
Like other social media platforms, TikTok has also kept the Security Checkup tool easily accessible. TikTok provides a step-by-step guide to all security features in the ‘Settings and Privacy’ section. These security features include
- Backup Login Method: This feature will enable the users to link their account with a phone number or an email address
- 2-Step Verification: Just like Google, TikTok also provides a 2-Step Verification to its users to double their account’s safety
- Devices Login: This feature will enable the users to keep a check on all the devices through which the account has been logged in
- Suspicious Activity: One of the key features of TikTok’s Security Checkup is to detect unusual behavior in an account and report it to the user
- Passkeys: In addition to passwords, TikTok will provide passkeys like FaceID or Thumb Impression for device-based authentication
TikTok was created by ByteDance in 2016 and formally launched in the global market in 2017. Since then, it has grown exponentially and become one of the most popular social media apps, with 1,925 billion users globally, of which 34.8 percent are youngsters. TikTok is popular because of its content-generating features in different categories, including entertainment, education, news, and fashion. The Security Checkup tool seems to enhance the confidence of popular content creator by providing them with data privacy and securing their intellectual property rights.
Previously, TikTok introduced the ‘Time Away’ feature to empower parents by controlling their children’s accounts and regulating their usage. It also included STEM-related hashtags to make this platform educational for teenagers.
