CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A popular app among teenagers is causing several senators to demand a national security risk assessment.
Tik Tok is one of the most downloaded apps, and it's especially popular among kids and teens. But it comes with a slew of privacy concerns.
Two senators formally asked the director of national intelligence to investigate national security risks. They’re worried it's a target for a foreign influence campaign like the one launched on other social media sites.
Senator Chuck Schumer tweeted because the app is "owned by a Beijing-based tech company, it’s required to adhere to Chinese law. That means it can be compelled to cooperate with intelligence work controlled by China’s Communist Party."
"The concern is how data is collected, where it's stored and who has access to it. People are willingly giving data to a social media app," said Mike Holland with Fortalice Solutions.
There are some risks in your home, too, if the app is downloaded on your kid's phone.
"People don't really understand how viral and how pervasive the sharing of information can be," said Holland.
Before a re-brand, the app was known as "Musical.ly" -- which had a serious dark side. With a few pointed searches, you could find videos containing pornography or those promoting anorexia, suicide, and self-harm. There was a chat feature, too, exposing kids to strangers.
Experts said the bottom line is parents should know what apps their kids are using.
"Investigate, look at the phone, sit down with your child and talk to them about the dangers," said Holland.
Tik Tok sets accounts as public by default. If it’s not changed, anyone can contact your child.
To fix this, go to settings and switch on private account. Under the safety tab select "Friends" for all of the options of who can communicate with the user.