A product like Google Calendar holds sensitive information for millions of people. After building and launching it, I decided to focus on protecting our users’ data. As a result, I have been working in the privacy and security space at Google for over a decade to ensure user data is respected and protected. Technology is still new to us and it is important we have control over our most sensitive data. So when I see something dangerous in the cyber landscape, I must say something.
There was recently a warning about an app called Saturn that allows anyone, with minimal verification, to see what kids are in what classes or rosters. [1] This app opens up a Pandora’s box of danger to children, since it is basically advertising their specific whereabouts.
Our county government is currently suing social media companies, including TikTok, for harm to our kids, including “a high degree of distraction, depression, suicidality, and other mental disorders, caused or worsened by the overconsumption of social media on a daily basis.” [2] If you’ve watched “The Social Dilemma” [3] you know how powerful some of these data mining algorithms are, not only to identify your habits but to influence you.
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When I saw that some candidates are using TikTok to campaign, I had to warn the community. Tiktok is a cybersecurity danger in many ways which I outline below.
- Even though it is a US company, it is not proven that it is not subject to dictates from the Chinese Communist party. [4]
- Privacy experts have proven that the TikTok app records everything you type into their browser [5] and TikTok knows what sites you visit.
- TikTok can record your biometric data (think faces, voiceprints) [6]
- There are recordings from 80 internal TikTok meetings showing that US user data was accessed repeatedly from China. [7]
- TikTok has admitted their China-based employees tracked the physical locations of two female journalists in order to determine their sources [8].
This is a global issue, not limited to the US. India has already banned it, and the US, Canada, and the U.K. have prohibited TikTok on all federal government devices. [9]
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If you are using TikTok, you are letting an enemy nation capture your personal data and likely influence you. And it’s not just security implications. It has deleterious effects on mental health.
The brevity of TikTok videos is deliberate, because it keeps playing on the pleasure users get from quick dopamine hits to the users brain. [10] It is based on a “diversive” curiosity which is deeply distracting but not fulfilling. [11] It is like consuming empty calories. It’s why after you've gone scrolling on for hours, when you come up for air you don't know where the time went. Simply said: It’s a brain fry.
Experts have raised the alarm bell about what is now called “TikTok brain” and pointed to decreased attention span, reading ability and memory [12] Some point to increased anxiety, depression and stress among users [13].
Many of us moved to Central Bucks to provide a rigorous education for our kids. We parents, teachers, and staff all work hard together to nurture and grow these young minds. Those using apps like TikTok are setting bad examples and reversing the hard work we have been doing, not just for the kids but for themselves.
All current and prospective leaders should set a good example and avoid using TikTok. They are putting personal data at risk as well as that of anyone else they entreat to use this application. There are other video sharing apps that can be used to display video. [14] demonstrates how to download your videos and share them in a more secure, less intellectually damaging location. I may disagree with what you say but I defend your right to say it.
TikTok: To their detriment, children are watching. Let’s all set a good example and reject this harmful app. Keep our kids' brains from frying.
[1] https://www.facebook.com/chris.cullum.376/posts/pfbid02WXjQB68QFPfZBe6gRKaYQUJryvJYpwaHMgr8baDrs8AoDcVD6Xvb17fpaYpvCDJ9l
[2] https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/22/tech/bucks-county-social-media-lawsuit/index.html
[3]: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11464826/
[4]: https://www.theguardian.com/te...
[5]: https://proton.me/blog/tiktok-...
[6]: https://techcrunch.com/2021/06...
[7]: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/a...
[8]: https://www.theguardian.com/te...
[9]: https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/18...
[10]: https://theweek.com/health-and-wellness/1025836/tiktok-brain-and-attention-spans
[11]: https://everythingisamazing.substack.com/p/avoid-reading-clickbait-hogwash-with-68c
[12]: https://socialmediapsychology.eu/2022/08/18/tiktok-is-killing-your-brain-right-now/
[13]: https://www.senteacherstrainin...
[14]: https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-download-tiktok-videos-without-a-watermark
