TikTok will not offer end-to-end encryption for direct messages (DMs) on its platform, according to a new report. BBC. The social media giant says end-to-end encryption will make users less secure, as it believes the technology will prevent police and security teams from accessing messages unless necessary.
TikTok told the outlet that this is a deliberate decision to differentiate itself from rivals and avoid harming users, especially youth.
With end-to-end encryption, only the sender and recipient of the message can see its content.
The company said direct messages are still protected with the same standard encryption as services like Gmail. Only authorized employees can access direct messages, and only in specific circumstances, such as in response to legitimate law enforcement requests or user reports of harmful behavior.
End-to-end encryption is the default technology used in popular apps like Signal, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger (for 1:1 personal chats and calls), Apple’s Messages, and Google Messages.
