TikTok won't add end-to-end encryption to DMs
Source: Engadget
TikTok’s stance on end‑to‑end encryption
TikTok has told the BBC that it will not protect direct messages (DMs) with end‑to‑end encryption, arguing that doing so would make users less safe. In a security briefing at its London office, the company said that implementing the technology would prevent its safety teams or law enforcement from reading messages when needed. The decision is presented as a deliberate move to keep users—especially younger ones—safe on the platform.
How TikTok currently protects messages
- Messages are protected by standard encryption while in transit.
- Only authorized employees can access messages if the app receives a request from authorities or a user report concerning harmful behavior.
- TikTok did not specify whether its parent company ByteDance’s location in China influenced the decision; end‑to‑end encryption is not commonly implemented there.
Alternatives with end‑to‑end encryption
If you need secure messaging, consider apps that already use end‑to‑end encryption:
- Apple’s iMessage
- Google Messages
- Facebook Messenger (secret conversations)
- Telegram (secret chats)
- Signal
TikTok’s U.S. business structure
TikTok recently signed a deal to spin off its U.S. operations into the TikTok USDS Joint Venture. This entity:
- Is owned 80 % by a group of non‑Chinese investors, including Oracle, with ByteDance retaining a 19.9 % stake.
- Will handle content moderation in the United States.
- Will retrain TikTok’s algorithm using U.S. user data.
It remains unclear whether the U.S. joint venture will adopt a different stance on end‑to‑end encryption.
This article originally appeared on Engadget.