TikTok has stolen data from your Android mobile
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TikTok is in the spotlight. In recent weeks, the application has been the main protagonist in the media, and not because of the features it offers, but because of its possible relationship with the Chinese government and rumors that it collects user data for espionage purposes. The United States is considering eliminating TikTok if it does not sell to Microsoft before next September. However, ByteDance, the developer company, warns that they have no relationship with the Chinese government and that the app does not spy on its users.A new report has revealed that TikTok has indeed collected data from Android phones.
As the Wall Street Journal has discovered, an older version of the app collected the MAC addresses of Android terminals without any warningThe company barely warned Google that the app was collecting this unique network identifier on each device, thus violating one of the Play Store's privacy and security policies. This data theft lasted 15 months. Fortunately, it ended last November, after an update of the app.
While it is true that TikTok used a system to encrypt this data and thus prevent leaks or theft, it was discovered that this mechanism did not offer the security standard. In addition, Google prohibited the ability to collect unique identifiers, such as MAC addresses or IMEIs, since 2015. While the TikTok collection took place between 2018 and 2019. Previously these identifiers were matched with the ID to serve personalized ads to each user, but they were prohibited as they are unique identifiers and not anonymous .
TikTok confirms that the current version is safe
Google has not informed about this TikTok practice. The company that developed the video app has sent a statement warning that the application is constantly being updated to offer greater security, and that currently TikTok does not collect MAC addresses
We are constantly updating our app to keep up with evolving security challenges, and the current version of TikTok does not collect MAC addresses. We always encourage our users to download the most current version of TikTok.
Taking into account that this practice ended months ago, and that Google Play usually updates applications automatically, the app would no longer be collecting data from your mobile.However, it is advisable to check if you have the latest version. Just go to Google Play > My Apps and check if there are any updates available.
TikTok is at risk of being removed from the United States, as the Donald Trump administration considers it a national security threat. Microsoft is currently in talks with ByteDance to acquire the app in English-speaking countries In this way, Microsoft can store user data on servers outside of China, so that it is safe. In addition, in the event that the purchase is confirmed, the company founded by Bill Gates has also confirmed that they will analyze the app to verify that it is completely safe.Nothing confirmed yet.
