Security and awareness around TikTok

(10-02-2025) Ghent University takes data protection and information security very seriously. Therefore, we want to inform you about our policy and use of the social media platform TikTok, as well as the potential risks for users.

The University continues to constantly adapt to the digital lifestyles of its study-goers and students. Therefore, starting this month, we are also active on TikTok! Through this popular platform, we aim to share valuable information about study choices, student life and inspiring projects of our students and staff in a creative and accessible way.

Do you use TikTok? Tips for safe use

If you choose to use TikTok, be aware of the potential risks and keep the following recommendations in mind:

• Limit app access rights: turn off location and contact access. Do not allow TikTok to track you continuously.
• Remain critical of content and algorithms: TikTok determines what content you get to see. This can encourage the spread of misinformation.
• Be critical of shared information: Only share data that you are sure is without risk. The app collects data not only about your usage, but also about the content you upload.
• Consider a separate device: if you use TikTok a lot, a separate device is safer.
• Rather use mobile data (4G/5G) instead of Eduroam to keep your TikTok usage separate from the academic network.

Our role as a university

Within the university, the Communications & Marketing function area makes limited and controlled use of TikTok to reach you and prospective students. In doing so, we take strict security measures:

• Limited use: TikTok is only deployed via devices that are specifically configured.
• Security first: These devices are completely separate from the university network, and are only used for TikTok.

While other apps are also not without risk, TikTok requires extra awareness due to geopolitical, privacy and behavioural aspects. TikTok is owned by Chinese company ByteDance. There are concerns about how user data is stored and potentially accessible to the Chinese government because of Chinese legislation requiring companies to cooperate with state requests. This is a fundamental difference from, for example, Meta, a US company with more transparent oversight from the US and Europe.

If you have any questions about data protection or information security, please contact us via [email protected]