​How to use TikTok without risking your Privacy

One of my goals in 2022 was to learn how to use TikTok and make TikTok-style videos on other social media apps. Learning the platform was a mission accomplished quickly. 

However, with all the awareness around TikTok’s privacy issues, I opted to delete the app from my phone a couple months after creating an account.

TikTok tracks every tap of your screen while you browse in its iOS app, including typed passwords and clicked links.
Every day, there's a new article sharing information about data tracking that risks associated with using the app. Here's one from today: ​TikTok bans hit more U.S. states; security firm says most access blocked globally

​As a digital marketing manager, disregarding one of the world’s most popular social media apps didn’t feel prudent. I became obsessed with finding a TikTok account privacy hack that works for me and may also work for you. 

It’s not free, it's not even necessarily a "hack," but more of a workaround... and it’s cumbersome, but if you have the means and interest, it might be worth it. 
​

TikTok Privacy Hack

You will need

  • Wiped phone, or burner phone
  • Phone number not associated with a family plan or other account. $40-50/month
  • Pre-paid Visa to buy apps if needed
  • Two new email accounts
Instructions:
  1. ​Get a wiped, or burner cell phone with a new phone number. AT&T can set up a single line for around $50/month.
  2. Create a new user ID/ AppleID to set up the TikTok phone. If you need to buy apps from the phone, use a pre-paid gift card, not your credit card. Don't use your real name, or any personally identifying information when you set up the account.
  3. Assuming you create original photo and video content on your personal cell phone like I do, you'll need to create two new email accounts to “launder” your messages.
  4. Turn off metadata on the TikTok phone. Instructions
Next steps:
  • On your personal phone, remove all the metadata from the photos and videos you want to post.
  • Email Account #1 is only emailed from Email Account #2. Email Account #1 should only be accessed from the TikTok phone. Because TikTok can track the password to email account #1 they can identify the sending account. If photos are only sent from Email Account #2, privacy is ensured.
  • Email account #2 should never be accessed from the TikTok phone. 
  • You can create content using the TikTok phone because you've already turned off the metadata.
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Have I cracked the TikTok confidentially conundrum?

Granted, this seems like a lot of work, just to see and post to one social media platform, but it may be useful for those working in government agencies, anyone with trade secrets, anyone under NDA etc.

What am I missing? Is this only an illusion of privacy, or have I cracked the TikTok confidentially conundrum? Feel free to comment on my LinkedIn post with feedback. 

Also, I realize that other apps, like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram also track personal cellphone data, but that’s not the discussion here. ​

Happy doom scrolling!