TikTok: The Risks for Journalists
In the digital age, social media platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives. However, not all platforms are created equal when it comes to protecting user privacy and security. TikTok, a popular video-sharing app, has come under scrutiny for its handling of user data, especially when it comes to journalists.
Ignoring TikTok’s Record
Despite the known risks associated with TikTok, some journalists continue to use the platform without fully understanding the potential consequences. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has a history of targeting reporters in attempts to reveal their sources. This blatant disregard for journalistic integrity should be a red flag for any journalist considering using TikTok.
In a Forbes investigation, it was revealed that ByteDance accessed IP addresses and other user data of several journalists in an attempt to track their locations and identify their sources. Despite evidence to the contrary, TikTok’s communication team denied collecting precise GPS location information from US users. This lack of transparency and accountability should raise serious concerns for journalists using the platform.
And Now, Service Journalism for Journalists
For journalists who may need to use TikTok for research purposes, it is essential to practice operational security best practices. This includes compartmentalizing sensitive information and using a separate “burner” device for TikTok. By keeping TikTok isolated from other sensitive data, journalists can minimize the risk of exposing their sources.
Additionally, limiting the permissions that TikTok has on your device can help protect your privacy. Only allow the app to access information that is necessary for its functionality and be mindful of the data you are sharing. Once you have completed your research on TikTok, wipe the burner device and restore it to factory defaults to ensure no residual data remains.
The security and disinformation risks posed by social media platforms are not unique to TikTok. However, journalists must be vigilant in protecting their sources and maintaining their integrity in the face of potential threats. By understanding the risks associated with TikTok and taking proactive measures to mitigate them, journalists can continue to use social media platforms responsibly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of TikTok by journalists poses significant risks to their privacy and security. Despite the platform’s history of targeting reporters and accessing user data without consent, some journalists continue to use TikTok without fully understanding the potential consequences. By practicing operational security best practices and limiting the permissions granted to TikTok, journalists can minimize the risk of exposing their sources and compromising their integrity.
It is essential for journalists to be aware of the risks associated with social media platforms like TikTok and take proactive measures to protect themselves and their sources. By prioritizing privacy and security, journalists can continue to use social media responsibly while safeguarding their professional ethics and integrity.