Users of the popular short-form video app TikTok are reportedly asked to enter iPhone passwords to view content.
Reports of the video streaming platform requesting iPhone passwords first emerged in November, according to reports by Dexerto, per The Epoch Times. TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has not explained why users would be prompted to provide this sensitive information.
Dexerto claims the prompt began emerging around the same time Apple began performing security updates to protect users from password theft if their devices were stolen. The iOS update, which became effective on December 12, adds a second layer of security for iPhone users. This added layer makes it more difficult for thieves to access personal data, including passwords and other sensitive items.
“As threats to user devices continue to evolve, we work tirelessly to develop powerful new protections for our users and their data. iPhone data encryption has long led the industry, and a thief can’t access data on a stolen iPhone without knowing the user’s passcode,” a spokesperson for Apple told The Epoch Times.
Some users have reportedly bypassed the request by updating to the latest version of TikTok. Others have successfully overcome the request by hitting “cancel” when prompted for the details, according to Dataconomy, as reported by The Epoch Times.
TikTok continues to face many lawsuits, like a recent filing in Indiana. The suit alleged that the app deceived users by falsely claiming the platform was safe for children and that personal details were protected. However, the county judge dismissed the lawsuit in November.
Montana has attempted a more extreme response to the app, seeking to implement an outright ban on its use in the state. However, the lawsuit that initiated the proposal has since been ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge.