Are We Lost wrote:

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ABC has a story this morning about the alarming amount of data being harvested by TikTok.

Here is a link to the source of that article for more information.

Senator James Paterson asks TikTok for explanation

In summary, TikTok seeks access to your private data and all running apps on your phone. There is no logical reason for some of what is collected. You can deny access if you wish, but unlike other apps it keeps harassing until you give in and allow it. So it appears to be a data harvesting mechanism that will find its way to China. The last paragraph of that article is also interesting that the US has asked us to initiate a related investigation.

Just clicking on TikTok links also passes information to TikTok, which may be used by China. I have never used TikTok, but on principle I will avoid clicking on any TikTok links. Sadly that means not seeing a few in the Jokes section.

So my recommendation is to help Australia by rejecting the use of this app.

-- Edited by Are We Lost on Monday 18th of July 2022 11:46:45 AM

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 Yes, it has been reported before.

I dont open anything sent to me on Tik Tok and unfortunately I also apply this to the jokes forum that come via that source.

I have a retired mate who was in the police force and he wont even go on the internet at all.

Maybe a bit over the top but security is very important. The world is full of scammers unfortunately.

Unless you have a *very* good reason never use an app. to access a website which you can also access via a web browser. The only exception I can think of to this rule is probably banking apps. from the major banks.

As for Tik Tok... I seem to have been able to live without Tik Tok in my life for many years I think I'll manage for the remaining ones.

Also don't give out personal information unless people/companies really do need it, eg. if you buy something from Ebay they need to know where to deliver it but I booked my car in for service with the main dealer a couple of weeks past and the girl asked my name (OK), telephone number (just OK), address and e-mail address (definately not OK!) - so I simply say to them "I'm not telling you" and if they ask "Why?" I respond "Because I don't want you to know" the surprised silence is amusing to listen to :)

Sometimes when I call major companies and feel a little mischievous I'll say to them "I am recording this conversation for archival purposes."

AndyCap100 wrote:

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Hi ,the answer as to why so many people willingly give so much info over the internet is that they simply MUST feel that they belong and are part of the world . Poor stupid darlings have no self worth . The constant need by people to have there 5 minutes of fame (several times everyday) is crazy . World would be a better place without any social media sites in my opinion .
Agree Mike (above post) i too vigourously withhold all personal info when buying stuff.  Andy .

-- Edited by AndyCap100 on Wednesday 20th of July 2022 08:47:13 AM

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 So true.

I had always been careful where my personal info went but recently my wife wanted a basic utensils that was only available immediately on Amazon.

I bought it for her and to have the sale and purchase proceed I had to give them an email addy and a phone number.

Because the purchase was for my wife I gave her phone number and I used my email address.

Well it was only a day or so that we copped a load of spam on her phone and my email.

Once it is out there nothing is private. I am sure thesecompanies sell this personal info to others.

We help to create a business within a business.

Wel then we have TikTok where China is involved. No thanks.