TikTok Says No to End-to-End Encryption: Here’s Why That’s a Big Deal

In a move that bucks the entire industry trend, TikTok has confirmed it will not implement end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for direct messages on its platform — arguing that E2EE would make users less safe. We break down what’s really going on: the child safety argument, the privacy counterargument, the geopolitical questions surrounding ByteDance, and what it all means for TikTok’s 1 billion+ users. If you use TikTok, this episode is essential listening. ** Links mentioned on the show ** TikTok won’t protect DMs with controversial privacy tech, saying it would put users at risk ** Watch this episode on YouTube ** ** Become a Shared Security Supporter ** Get exclusive access to bonus episodes, listen to new episodes before they are released, receive a monthly shout-out on the show, and get a discount code for 15% off merch at the Shared Security store. Become a supporter today by going to our YouTube channel’s membership section: ** Thank you to our sponsors! ** SLNT Visit slnt.com to check out SLNT’s amazing line of Faraday bags and other products built to protect your privacy. As a listener of this podcast you receive 10% off your order at checkout using discount code “sharedsecurity”. **

You can listen to TikTok Says No to End-to-End Encryption: Here’s Why That’s a Big Deal online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

TikTok Says No to End-to-End Encryption: Here’s Why That’s a Big Deal is an episode from The Shared Security Podcast by Tom Eston and Scott Wright.

This episode is 15:10 long.

This episode was published on Mar 9, 2026.

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