TikTok's New Security Dashboard Makes It Easier to Lock Down Your Account

TikTok is introducing a new Security Checkup dashboard designed to make it easier for users to review and update their account security settings. On Monday the company announced the tool as a way for people to better monitor their account's security status and make changes as needed.

By selecting "Settings & privacy" then tapping "Security & permissions," people can add a backup login method, enable two-step verification, check which devices have access to their account, and enable Face ID or Touch ID for more secure sign-ins. TikTok said that if it detects unusual activity, it will flag the issue in Security Checkup, prompting users to review it.

The announcement comes as tech companies continue to enhance security tools and aim to give users more control over their accounts. Last week, TikTok rolled out new parental control features to help better parents monitor and manage their teens' app usage. Meanwhile, late last month, Apple unveiled new child-safety measures that affect how minors' accounts are set up and what content they can access in the App Store.

Relevance to TikTok ban

Aisling Dawson, an analyst at market research firm ABI Research, told CNET that adding more safety and security features is part of an ongoing trend among tech companies, but the timing is particularly interesting due to the approaching deadline for TikTok to secure a US buyer or face a potential ban by April 5.

"It is unlikely that this is merely a case of TikTok aligning itself with competitors and market trends," Dawson said. "Rather, appealing to prospective buyers by showcasing its improved protection of user security and data is likely to be a critical part of the app's mission to rebrand its public image where it comes to data protection and privacy."

Dawson said the issue is relevant because the US government's initial proposal to ban the platform was driven by concerns about the Chinese government gaining unauthorized access to users' sensitive data.