Overview
- TikTok confirmed to the BBC that direct messages will not be protected with end-to-end encryption, describing the move as a deliberate safety choice.
- Messages will continue to use standard transport and storage encryption, with access limited to authorised employees in specific cases such as valid law-enforcement requests or user reports.
- The stance diverges from many rivals that offer or are rolling out end-to-end encryption for messaging, including services from Apple, Meta, Google, Signal and others.
- UK child-protection groups NSPCC and the Internet Watch Foundation praised the decision, arguing encrypted platforms can hinder detection of child sexual abuse and reduce reporting.
- Privacy advocates and some analysts warned the policy could enable broader surveillance and deepen trust concerns, noting scrutiny of ByteDance’s ownership and differing national encryption norms.