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Security stir on TikTok
TikTok users have found themselves unnerved as the popular video app seemingly demands their iPhone passwords for content access. The exact reason behind this unusual request remains shrouded in uncertainty, raising concerns, especially considering TikTok’s past privacy issues.
Are iPhone passwords required?
Users began reporting this unsettling occurrence in late November, intensifying in December. To add to the confusion, TikTok provides no explicit explanation for this unusual demand, leaving users in the dark. The app has also faced accusations of spying on journalists, amplifying the gravity of this latest development.
Cause and concern
Industry experts suggest several potential causes for this password prompt, ranging from a temporary security measure addressing vulnerabilities to app updates, glitches, or the activation of the “restricted mode” content filter. While the exact motive remains unclear, sharing passwords raises significant security risks and opens the door to phishing attempts.
User solutions
Despite the ambiguity surrounding TikTok’s demand, users have identified workarounds. Some reported that updating the app to version 32.5.0 resolved the issue. Additionally, selecting “cancel” when prompted for the password appeared to bypass the request, hinting at a potential bug rather than an intentional feature. Disabling restricted mode also seemed effective.
This unsettling development comes in the wake of growing scrutiny on the app’s privacy practices. Senator John Fetterman recently attributed a “warped” perspective on the Israel-Gaza conflict to TikTok, while European regulators fined the platform for privacy violations concerning children. In 2022, FBI Director Christopher Wray raised national security concerns, citing the potential misuse of data collection and algorithmic influence operations by the Chinese-owned app.
As TikTok users navigate this unexpected password challenge, the broader implications of privacy and security concerns cast a shadow over the popular video-sharing platform.
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