Tag Archives: app

Is Your Data Safe with TikTok? Let’s Look at the Facts!

Talk of a ban on TikTok in the US started when former president Donald Trump started looking into the app’s data security in 2020. More recently, the Biden administration got involved by pressing the Chinese company ByteDance to sell it or possibly face a ban in the US.

Understandably all the headlines have got many TikTok users concerned if it’s worth it to keep the app installed considering the controversy about its data security policies and how it uses private data.

Most notably people are concerned about third parties TikTok is sharing its data with. There’s no way of verifying every third party TikTok sends data to and although the company has addressed people’s concerns the skepticism remains.

So, is there evidence to back up the commotion? What are the facts? Independent companies are starting to research how TikTok handles private data in the real world.

Study by URL Genius

A recent study found that TikTok collects more private data than most social media apps – and the difference is quite dramatic.

URL Genius measured the number of times popular apps made network contacts. Then they found how many of those can be traced back to first-party domains and how many are sending data to third parties.

Tests by mobile marketing company URL Genius determined that TikTok and YouTube led the pack when it comes to gathering data about its users and tracking their activity. At least they are when it comes to the numbers.

YouTube and TikTok made 14 network contacts each during their tests. That’s more than double the average of 6 network contacts. After delving deeper into which are first-party trackers and which are third-party, the results became much different.

It should be no surprise that companies like Meta and ByteDance collect data so their apps can show users the most relevant content and ads. It’s the data being sent to third parties most people want to know about yet this is the part that’s clouded in mystery.

Ten of YouTube’s trackers were first-party, which means the user data was being collected for their own purposes. The remaining four network contacts were from third-parties. So, while Google’s overall number was high at least we know where most of that data goes.

With TikTok it wasn’t clear where personal data was going and how it was being used. 13 of the 14 network contacts were from third parties.

TikTok has clarified by telling CNBC all of those network contacts can be traced back to just four third-party domains. Additionally, they said it was necessary for functions such as network security and user certification. Included in the list of third-parties are Google, Apple, Snap, and AppsFlyer, a marketing analytics company that measures the performance of ad campaigns on TikTok.

Wired Probes TikTok’s Tracking

Wired UK published a guide that explains what TikTok is tracking in plain English and how to stop its data collection.

According to their findings, TikTok can gather information even if you haven’t signed up via cookies and other trackers. And after you’ve created an account it starts tracking your activities such as videos you’ve watched, how long you watched them, internet searches, and the content in your messages.

TikTok also tracks your interactions with advertisers. It works out demographic data such as your age bracket, gender, and your interests. Advertising is one of the key reasons for TikTok’s data collection just like any other social media app. The more the app knows about its users the better it can serve them relevant ads and content they’ll enjoy.

Ever wonder how TikTok knew visiting Japan is on your bucket list, or that you’re renovating your kitchen?

TikTok’s algorithm depends on its multifaceted data collection to work. That’s how it shows you videos on your personalized For You Page that can be surprising in terms of how timely and relevant to your interests it is.

Wired went as far as to say “TikTok can tell if you find a video funny and why, if you’re interested in sports or music, whether you’re religious, into politics or concerned about specific causes. It also knows if you’ve been feeling down lately.”

How to Protect Your Privacy on TikTok

Although much of TikTok’s data collection is necessary for the functionality of the app, there are steps you can take to eliminate sharing personal info that isn’t essential.

TikTok is always evolving and its settings are no exception. It was previously possible to turn off ‘Personalized Ads’ but this feature has been removed.

Tap on the hamburger menu and select ‘Settings and privacy.’ Next, tap on ‘Privacy.’ Here you may opt to make your account private and control whether your followers can see your activity status or not.

It’s recommended that you never allow TikTok to gain access to your contacts or Facebook friends. If you’ve already granted TikTok access to this you can remove the data from their servers by accessing ‘Sync contacts and Facebook friends’ under the ‘Privacy’ menu.

For many users, it’s totally unnecessary for TikTok to track your location. Tap on ‘Location Services’ to remove TikTok’s access to your location via device settings. Additionally, you can delete your location history here.

Users that want to create a backup or plan to delete TikTok may want to download their data from the app. Go to ‘Settings and privacy’ and tap on ‘Account.‘ Next tap ‘Download your data.’

Level Up Your Privacy with a VPN

Experts suggest using a VPN with TikTok to truly regain your privacy.

What’s a VPN? It’s a virtual private server. Essentially it creates an additional layer of privacy and security between your internet connection and the apps and websites you visit. VPNs allow you to choose an IP address so your actual IP is hidden. It makes it impractical for apps like TikTok to track you in many cases.

Check out LetMeBy’s reviews of the top 3 VPNs to view the best services out there. Generally, these are the most recommended VPNs here:

The Verdict

TikTok is an incredibly engaging and entertaining app. However, it’s best to be aware of the privacy implications associated with using it.

According to independent studies, TikTok makes more network contacts than the average social media app. Its privacy settings don’t offer users much control either. If you’ve thought about using a VPN with your social media apps, TikTok provides a compelling reason to take the plunge.

How to Watch US Netflix in Canada

Oh Canada, you’re lovely but Canadians can’t help but want the stuff Americans have. Although the CN Tower and Whistler’s ski resorts are iconic, sometimes one craves New Orleans’ cuisine or the energy of New York City.

Netflix Canada has come a long way. It ranks third in terms of having the most content and is one position behind the US which is second. Still, depending on your watching habits, many think that Netflix US is far ahead.

US Netflix Vs. Netflix Canada

On paper, there doesn’t seem to be a huge difference between the content library in Netflix US versus Canada. According to a snapshot of its content in 2022 Canada offered about 5,730 titles (both movies and TV shows). And Netflix in the US had 5,879 titles. That’s only 149 additional titles to choose from. However, don’t let the stats fool you!

Netflix US has the top-rated TV shows so many are itching to watch! Healer, The Best of Enemies, The Office, and Grey’s Anatomy are examples of popular shows that Canadian Netflix subscribers don’t get access to. The American version of Netflix shines when it comes to its selection of TV shows.

Netflix Canada has its strengths too. Canadians get access to some award-winning movies that Americans don’t such as Wind River, Hell or High Water, and Eastern Promises. Additionally, their Canadian library has some TV shows like Pretty Little Liars and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air which are nowhere to be found on US Netflix.

Why Netflix US has Awesome Shows Canadians Don’t Get

It’s a bit frustrating. Why are Canadian subscribers excluded from some of the best content on Netflix? First, we need a basic overview of how the TV and film industries work.

Although Netflix is the service that delivers all the programming the vast majority of its content is supplied by movie studios, television networks, and other providers.

Netflix signs contracts with each company that creates content so new titles can be added to their libraries. In those contracts, the studios and networks specify which regions get access to their titles and which ones don’t.

Thus, Netflix is simply following these contracts and delivering content according to the requirements of its creators. Most of us will never know exactly why The Office isn’t available to Canadians. Customers simply have to work with the cards they’re dealt.

How Netflix Knows Its Subscribers are Based in the US or Canada

When you visit Netflix’s website it automatically directs you to a regional version of their site. So, if you live in Canada it ensures you’re doing business with Netflix’s Canadian operations. It means you’re billed in CAD and get access exclusively to their content for Canadian subscribers.

Each time you use the Netflix app to watch programming the app detects where you’re located. Your smartphone, PC, or other device has an IP address associated with it. That IP is a quick, effective way for providers to know what country you’re accessing their service from.

So, in theory, it doesn’t matter if you signed up with Netflix Canada or Netflix US. What’s significant is the country you’re currently accessing Netflix from. To test this, Canadian subscribers can watch Netflix while they’re on vacation in the US. Voila, they’ll have full access to Netflix’s US content library.

How to Watch Netflix’s US-Only Content in Canada

To view the Netflix US content library, you need to appear to be in the US when the Netflix app or website checks your location.

The most effective way to watch Netflix in Canada is by using a VPN. What’s that? It means virtual private network. A VPN works between your internet service provider and the website or app you’re connecting to. It creates an intermediary layer that enhances your security and privacy online. VPNs make it easy to change your IP so you can choose an IP address that is associated with any country.

Over the years Netflix has detected that many users are accessing their app and website from the same IPs. So yes, they’re wise to the use of VPNs to view regional content. In fact, some IPs won’t work with Netflix, and some VPN services are better than others for streaming Netflix. If too many people are already using the same IP address users can be temporarily denied access. The good news is this is often solved simply by choosing a different IP address from those provided by your VPN.

Tips on Choosing the Right VPN for Watching Netflix

Netflix is constantly improving its tech and refining its policies. One example of this is their crackdown on password sharing which started at the end of 2022.

Before subscribing to a VPN service it’s advised that you check the latest posts on Reddit’s r/NetflixViaVPN community. Redditors there share which VPNs they’re using and which VPNs work with Netflix as well as which ones don’t.

To ensure you go with a solid VPN service overall read LetMeBy’s reviews of the top 3 VPN services.

Want the fastest answer? These are the VPNs most commonly recommended here for watching Netflix US in Canada:

When it comes to the best VPN services for streaming, speed is a key factor. HD video takes a good amount of bandwidth and all that data is sent through your VPN. Pretty much any VPN that requires a monthly subscription is speedy and capable of streaming high-quality video.

Are There Risks Associated with Watching Netflix US in Canada?

It’s clear that Netflix is aware that people use VPNs to unblock content and they’d rather their subscribers didn’t. Using a VPN is against their terms. However, a lot of Netflix subscribers have a VPN. It’s becoming more and more common to use VPNs for general internet use and most people that have one never turn it off.

Netflix aims to enforce its rules while keeping its subscribers. So, Netflix won’t toss you off its platform for watching TV shows and movies with a VPN. At worst an IP address provided to you by your VPN will be blocked by Netflix. In many cases, it’s just a question of choosing a different IP that isn’t on their radar.

Wrapping It Up

Some of the best TV shows are on Netflix US but Canadian subscribers don’t need to feel left out. A Canadian Netflix subscriber with a VPN gets the best of both worlds. This gives you access to content that Americans don’t get, plus all the exclusive content available in the US.

VPNs are handy for watching Netflix but that’s really just the beginning of their applications. Browsing the Web while knowing your every action isn’t being tracked is a liberating experience.