Here's what you need to know about TikTok's dangerous reach in the US

Thanks to TikTok’s invasive spying and private data collection, the U.S. government has already started plans to ban it. Here’s what you need to know and how to protect your privacy from the Chinese spy app.

TikTok has over 100 million users in the U.S. alone, many of whom are children. Now, you can watch the videos without creating an account, but does that make you safe? Here’s what you need to know.

Think of the children

It’s not up for debate: TikTok gathers user data, such as browsing history, facial ID, voice prints, texts and location. It also is built from the ground up to be addictive, sharing quick videos catered to the interests of each user.

Then there are the viral “challenges” that can lead to injury or death. Ever heard of the choking or blackout challenge? It’s terrifying.

All these things are dangerous enough, and young people are especially vulnerable. As a parent, you have controls to restrict your kids from visiting certain websites or downloading certain apps. That’s all well and good, but it’s not enough.

The Wall Street Journal reports that children with TikTok accounts are sending screen recordings of videos to their friends who can’t access the app themselves. Kids are filling their phones with these video clips to the point where they can’t even update them.

RELATED: With TikTok, Biden & company misses the big picture

What about simply watching the videos?

You don’t need a TikTok account to enjoy the content, for better or worse. People with accounts can simply send you links. There’s no harm in that, is there? Well, that’s not entirely true.

You still share some information with TikTok when you watch it elsewhere, such as in your browser. According to Caitlin Fennessy, vice president and chief knowledge officer at the International Association of Privacy Professionals, your browser type, phone information and IP address are up for grabs.

TikTok videos are popular enough to be found on virtually every social media and video hosting platform, including Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. This is where it gets a bit tricky.

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New Google tech coming to its biggest show of the year

Google’s got a lot of exciting new products in the works, and we’re just days away from getting our first glimpse at its big I/O tech show. While artificial intelligence (AI) is likely to be a significant focus, all the latest news about chatbots has muddied the waters for some exciting Google hardware, too.

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Sneak peek: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Looks like they’re going all-in on AI, dubbing it “built for the Gemini era.” It’s expected to drop Aug. 13.

Now is not the time to upgrade your smartphone

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With Google’s new Pixel phones costing extra for AI features and Apple’s iPhone 16 soon to be released, it’s worth holding off a bit longer.

The biggest mistake I made buying a new phone

When Apple, Samsung or Google announce a new smartphone, it’s big news. The latest iPhone, Pixel or Galaxy phones are status symbols in their own right. Though there are more manufacturers, these are among the most popular in the U.S.

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Facebook privacy settings: Most important security checks to do now

Between security and revelations surrounding Facebook’s tracking policies, it’s no secret that your privacy is at risk with the social network.

Facebook has revealed a tracking technology called pixel, which website developers can add to their site’s code to track Facebook users for ad targeting. Mozilla and the Markup teamed up to get a closer look at Facebook’s pixel tracking network. Tap or click here for our report and see how you can become part of the study.

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Gemini versus ChatGPT, 23andMe hack & PowerPoint holiday wishlists

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Plus, Colin from The Markup found Meta’s Pixel tracking students on sites they have to use for school. Yep, kids’ private info sent to Facebook. Also, the top celebs used for fake news — I got the list. Tips to find spy cams and get snow alerts to your phone.

Steve Jobs resurrected with AI, shocking scam uses Uber drivers & urgent iCloud warning

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Plus, Allie has a dire warning for Samsung and Pixel owners, Matt tells us how to remote help for free, make money writing wedding vows and speeches, and a hilarious joke to end it all!

12 smart Android tips and tricks you should be using

Apple gets all the credit for fancy phone tricks and hacks, but that doesn’t mean Android is without cool features. If you haven’t joined the iPhone nation yet, you might be wondering what secret tricks your newest Android phone is holding for you. Tap or click for seven things you didn’t know your Android could do.

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Check this list! Android phones Google says are in danger of being hacked

There are so many different Android manufacturers it’s hard to keep track of them all. Some smartphones even have custom versions of the Android operating system — like Samsung’s Galaxy series. This makes it tough for Google to make consistent updates that fit every device.

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Tech how-to: Set up Do Not Disturb on your Android

Sometimes you just need some peace and quiet. Thankfully, Android has you covered during those times with its Do Not Disturb feature. Regardless of what kind of Android device you have, we’ll show you how to quickly and easily silence your phone whenever the need arises.

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Moving from iPhone to Android or vice versa? Here's how

It’s finally time for your phone upgrade and you’re really excited! But for the first time in your iPhone-owning life, you’re thinking you may want the new Pixel instead.

Or maybe you loved your Samsung Galaxy but now the iPhone 11 is calling your name. Switching from Android to iPhone or iPhone to Android is such a hassle; it can’t possibly be worth it, right? Tap or click here for 10 Android tips and tricks.

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Google offers cheap cellular service? Here are the facts about Google Fi

Go ahead and name some big companies offering cellular service. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint probably came to mind. Now, you can add Google to that list.

Google recently announced that Fi SIM cards would be available for purchase in more than 500 Best Buy stores across the country.

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What is Google Fi, and should you use it for cellphone service?

A few years ago, Google got into the cellular service game when it launched the beta project Project Fi, the online-only cellphone plan. Back in 2015, it was available by invitation only to Nexus 6 phone owners. Recently, Google has opened the project to a wider audience, so here’s a look at what’s good and what could be better about Google Fi.

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