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Is TikTok safe to use?

Safe with care

Safe for most users with the right settings, but it collects a lot of data and its ownership has been under scrutiny for years.

Checked October 2026

Quick facts

Owned by
ByteDance (global); TikTok USDS Joint Venture in the US since January 2026
Based in
Singapore and Los Angeles (ByteDance in Beijing)
Encryption
DMs are not end-to-end encrypted.
Data it collects
Viewing behaviour, device and network data, approximate location, contacts (if allowed).
Minimum age
13+

What keeps you safe

  • Under-16 accounts are private by default.
  • Daily screen-time limit of 60 minutes for under-18s by default.
  • US user data and algorithm run on Oracle's cloud under the 2026 joint venture.

Risks to know about

  • Ireland fined TikTok €530 million in 2025 over transfers of European users' data to China.
  • It was fined €345 million in 2023 over children's privacy.
  • The algorithm can push harmful content quickly.

Scams to watch for on TikTok

  • Fake shops and too-good-to-be-true TikTok Shop deals.
  • Job offers to "like videos" for money.
  • Crypto investment livestreams.

Is TikTok legit?

TikTok is legit and used by over a billion people. Its risks are data collection and harmful content, not that it is fake.

Is it safe for kids?

Use Family Pairing to set limits, restrict DMs and filter content.

How to use TikTok safely

  1. Make your account private.

  2. Turn off contact syncing.

  3. Use Family Pairing for teens.

  4. Buy only from verified TikTok Shop sellers.

Where TikTok is restricted

Does a VPN make TikTok safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can't stop TikTok collecting data or scammers messaging you.

Picked for privacy and getting messages through.

Proton VPN

Swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.

For strict networks: the Stealth protocol.

Try Proton VPN

ExpressVPN

Obfuscation is switched on automatically on every server, so there is no special mode to find.

For strict networks: automatic obfuscation (protocol set to Automatic).

Try ExpressVPN

NordVPN

Largest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.

For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN
Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs Private Internet Access, Surfshark and CyberGhost

Private Internet Access

Open-source apps, unlimited devices and servers in every US state, at a low price.

For strict networks: the Shadowsocks proxy option.

Try Private Internet Access

Surfshark

Unlimited devices on one plan, with NoBorders mode that switches on in restrictive regions.

For strict networks: NoBorders mode.

Try Surfshark

CyberGhost

Servers labelled for specific streaming services and a 45-day refund window on longer plans.

For strict networks: a nearby server (CyberGhost has no stealth mode).

Try CyberGhost

We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money

Questions people ask

Is TikTok safe to use?

Safe for most users with the right settings, but it collects a lot of data and its ownership has been under scrutiny for years.

Is TikTok legit?

TikTok is legit and used by over a billion people. Its risks are data collection and harmful content, not that it is fake.

Is TikTok encrypted?

DMs are not end-to-end encrypted.

What data does TikTok collect?

Viewing behaviour, device and network data, approximate location, contacts (if allowed).

Is TikTok safe for kids?

Use Family Pairing to set limits, restrict DMs and filter content.

Does a VPN make TikTok safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi, so your network and ISP can't see what you do on TikTok. It does not stop TikTok itself from collecting data, and it does not protect you from scams inside the app.

Sources