TikTok users are unsettled by the app’s unexpected demand for iPhone passwords, causing heightened concern, especially given its prior allegations of spying on journalists.
Dataconomy says, “TikTok itself doesn’t explicitly state the exact cause.”
The concerning matter initially noted in late November and highlighted by various users through December, coincided with Apple’s issuance of two critical security updates for iPhone and other products.
The latest iOS update, deployed on December 11, addressed a vulnerability that permitted unauthorized access to sensitive user data.
In an article, Dataconomy outlined four potential reasons behind TikTok’s request for personal security data, all of which are deemed concerning.
The website suggests the passcode request on TikTok could be a “temporary security measure” addressing vulnerabilities or privacy issues. It may also be linked to an app update, glitch, or enabling the “restricted mode.”
According to Dataconomy, the “restricted mode” might prompt a password to serve as a content censor. Experts caution against sharing passwords, particularly in these circumstances, citing significant security risks and vulnerability to phishing attempts.
In this situation, users have discovered effective solutions. Those asked for passwords on TikTok reported the issue was resolved after updating their app to version 32.5.0, as discussed in a Reddit thread.
Additionally, there seems to be another swift method to bypass this challenge.
“Some users have reported bypassing the passcode prompt by selecting ‘cancel,’ indicating that this might indeed be a bug rather than an intentional feature,” according to Dataconomy.
Turning off restricted mode has been identified as another effective solution as well.
