Since it was announced that TikTok’s U.S. operations are transitioning to American ownership, many people who used to avoid the app are reconsidering. The shift has rekindled discussions among parents, educators, and older adults, who had previously deemed the app off-limits due to concerns over foreign ownership.
One reader expressed this uncertainty clearly in an email: it reflects the dilemmas many families face.
“We have read the summary of the joint venture agreement approved between Chinese (20%) and US investors (80%). Currently, we do not have a TikTok account, but we’ve been watching short informative videos and might start an account once the deal is finalized and U.S. control is established. However, since we lack technical knowledge, security remains a concern.”
— Charlie
I completely understand that worry. TikTok has generated valid concerns relating to foreign ownership, data access, and national security. These issues led to government bans, lawsuits, and stern warnings for families. Now, with the recent shift, U.S. investors have operational control. This is a significant change but it doesn’t necessarily alter the platform’s functionality. The real question is not merely whether TikTok is permissible; rather, it’s about how to navigate it wisely, especially for children and teens—setting clear boundaries is essential, and that’s what this guide will address.
What does U.S. ownership actually improve?
It’s worthwhile to note what’s changed.
U.S. governance and control
Now, TikTok’s U.S. operations aren’t under the authority of its parent company in China, effectively lessening the risk of direct access through Chinese national security law.
Strengthened regulatory oversight
The platform now adheres to U.S. privacy norms, enforcement policies, and Congressional scrutiny. This introduces clearer standards on data handling.
Clear accountability
If issues arise, responsibility rests with one jurisdiction. This clarity is a welcome change for families that have steered clear of TikTok due to ownership worries.
TikTok discusses safeguards in the new U.S. structure
TikTok states its U.S. operations are run through a large U.S.-owned entity known as TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, which was established following an executive order signed on September 25, 2025. This venture aims to secure U.S. user data and manage recommendation algorithms as well as the trust and safety policies for U.S. users. The company assures that U.S. user data is kept in a secure American cloud environment and protected via a comprehensive privacy and cybersecurity initiative, regularly inspected by third-party specialists.
They also mention that the recommendation algorithms for U.S. users are developed and tested within the U.S. Furthermore, the joint venture will oversee U.S. user trust and safety measures along with content moderation, ensuring ongoing transparency reporting and independent review. Instead of eliminating data collection or personalization, the focus lies on the storage of data, control over it, and the auditing processes involved.
What’s unchanged?
This is a significant aspect that many may overlook.
Despite the change in ownership, TikTok operates fundamentally like major social media platforms.
- It tracks what you watch and how long you engage.
- It learns about your interests and habits.
- It uses that data to tailor your feed and advertisements.
TikTok remains extraordinarily efficient at this. Its adaptive recommendation system contributes to its widespread appeal and impact. Given this, it’s crucial to be particularly mindful of your privacy settings.
Smart ways to engage with TikTok as a family
Trying to ignore TikTok isn’t really viable. Kids hear about it from friends, and adults often see helpful videos shared on other platforms. The better option? Set it up thoughtfully from the outset. This approach shields your experience without compromising it, allowing families to maintain greater control.
Step 1: Block TikTok from accessing your contacts
Limiting access to contacts stops TikTok from mapping your social network.
Turning off contact and Facebook syncing
- Open TikTok app
- Go to your profile in the bottom right
- Tap the three-line menu in the top right
- Select Settings and privacy
- Click Privacy
- Tap Sync your contacts and Facebook friends
- Toggle both options off
Why does this matter?
With contact syncing enabled, TikTok can identify who knows you, even if they haven’t used the app. Turning it off limits the platform’s capability to connect accounts with real-world relationships and decreases suggestions for accounts linked to your phone contacts.
Step 2: Limit ad targeting
Ads will continue to be present, but they’ll rely less on your external activities.
Disabling non-TikTok ad tracking
- Open TikTok app
- Navigate to your profile at the bottom right of the screen
- Tap the three-line menu in the top right
- Select Settings and privacy
- Scroll to Advertisement and tap on it
- Manage non-TikTok data to switch Targeted advertising outside of TikTok off
- If available, also toggle Targeted advertising off to reduce personalization further
Why this is important:
Turning these off limits TikTok’s data collection outside the app for ad personalization. Ads will show up, but they’ll be less dependent on your browsing history and in-app activity.
Step 3: Set your account to private
This is particularly crucial for younger users. Private accounts restrict who can see, comment, and interact with your content.
Making your account private
- Open TikTok app
- Go to your profile at the bottom right of the screen
- Tap the three-line menu in the top right
- Go to Settings and privacy
- Select Privacy
- Toggle Private account on
- Toggle Activity status off
Why this matters:
Private accounts give you control over who sees your content and interacts with you, which is particularly important for children and teens to minimize their exposure to unwanted connections and messages.
Step 4: Manage how people find you
TikTok will propose accounts based on your contacts and shared connections unless you adjust these settings.
Turning off account suggestions
- Open TikTok app
- Access your profile at the bottom right of the screen
- Tap the three-line menu in the top right
- Go to Settings and privacy
- Select Privacy
- Tap Suggest your account to others
- Uncheck all options
Why this is crucial:
Account suggestions are often linked to your phone number, contacts, and shared connections. Disabling these makes it trickier for TikTok to associate your account with your offline identity and visibility with unchosen individuals.
Step 5: Conceal likes and follows
What you like and who you follow sends out signals about your interests. Making this information private adds an extra layer of protection.
Hiding your activity
- Open TikTok app
- Go to your profile at the bottom right of the screen
- Tap the three-line menu in the top right
- Go to Settings and privacy
- Select Privacy
- Tap Follow list under interactions
- Set it to Only me
Why this matters:
Likes and follows reveal insights into preferences and habits over time. Keeping them private limits how much others can deduce about you, which in turn minimizes the signals TikTok can amplify on its platform.
Step 6: Request your TikTok data
This action often shifts how users perceive the platform.
Requesting your data
- Open TikTok app
- Access your profile at the bottom right of the screen
- Tap the three-line menu in the top right
- Go to Settings and privacy
- Select Account
- Choose Download data
- Check the types of information included, select all
- Pick a file format
- Tap request data
TikTok will then prepare the file, which typically takes several days. Once available, be sure to return to retrieve your data as links expire quickly.
Why this is important:
Requesting data allows you to see exactly what TikTok holds about your account—from activity patterns to interaction histories. Viewing this information directly can help you assess whether the extent of tracking aligns with your platform use.
Pro tip: Safeguard yourself beyond app settings
While privacy settings can help, they won’t cover everything. Social media platforms, including TikTok, are often gateways for harmful links, fraudulent offers, and phishing pages meant to steal your credentials or plant malware. Having robust antivirus software provides an essential protective layer against risky sites and downloads, preventing future issues. Such software also alerts you to phishing attempts and ransomware threats, helping safeguard your personal information and digital assets.
Get recommendations for the top antivirus products for various devices to keep your security in check.
Do you believe your devices and personal data are genuinely safe? Take a quick quiz to evaluate your digital habits and identify potential improvements.
Key Takeaway
While TikTok has implemented new measures to enhance the security of U.S. data and control, the amount of personal data available is still largely dictated by user settings. Although ownership changes lower certain risks, personal accountability cannot be overlooked. Ensuring privacy on TikTok hinges less on ownership and more on how individuals configure their settings. If you’re thinking of creating an account now, take it slow, secure your settings, and check your data frequently—this way, you’ll stay in control.
If a platform accumulates a vast amount of information about you, how much are you actually willing to allow? Reach out for more insights today.
