×
google news

A rapid guide to securing your social media presence on TikTok and Instagram

Protect your online presence with this easy-to-follow guide to TikTok and Instagram privacy settings

A rapid guide to securing your social media presence on TikTok and Instagram

With the increasing importance of social media in our daily lives, it’s crucial to ensure that our online presence is secure and private. TikTok and Instagram are two of the most popular social media platforms, and both offer various features to help users protect their accounts and maintain control over their personal data.

One of the most critical aspects of social media privacy is account visibility. On TikTok, users can adjust their account settings to control who can view their profile, videos, and comments. Similarly, on Instagram, users can switch to a private account which allows them to approve or reject followers and control who can see their posts and stories.

Understanding data sharing

Data sharing is another essential aspect of social media privacy. Both TikTok and Instagram collect user data, which can be shared with third-party apps and services. To minimize data sharing, users can review and adjust their app permissions, ensuring that only necessary data is shared.

On TikTok, users can access the Settings menu and select Privacy and Settings to review their app permissions. On Instagram, users can go to the Settings menu and select Account to review their app permissions.

Ad tracking and comment filters

Ad tracking is a common practice on social media platforms, where user data is collected to deliver targeted ads. To opt out of ad tracking on TikTok, users can access the Settings menu and select Privacy and Settings then toggle off Personalized ads. On Instagram, users can go to the Settings menu and select Account then toggle off Personalized ads. Additionally, both platforms offer comment filters which allow users to control who can comment on their posts and stories.

Creator mode and privacy trade-offs

For content creators, creator mode offers additional features and tools to manage their online presence. However, this mode may also require users to share more personal data and adjust their privacy settings. To balance privacy and creator mode features, users can review and adjust their settings carefully, ensuring that they are comfortable with the level of data sharing required.

Auditing old posts

Finally, it’s essential to audit old posts and ensure that they are still relevant and aligned with current privacy settings. On both TikTok and Instagram, users can review their past posts and stories, deleting or editing any content that may be sensitive or outdated. By regularly auditing old posts, users can maintain control over their online presence and ensure that their personal data is protected.

World Cup 2026

Upcoming matches

Sat 18 Jul
France
22:00BSTThird place
England
Sun 19 Jul
Spain
20:00BSTFinal
Argentina

Results

Wed 15 Jul
England
12FT · Semi-finals
Argentina
Tue 14 Jul
France
02FT · Semi-finals
Spain
Updated 11:04 BST

Contacts:
Thomas Wood

Thomas Wood, Leeds-based and modern-relaxed in style, once rerouted a weekend to cover a community arts co-op launch in Harehills rather than a planned corporate brief. Champions approachable analysis that centres local voices and keeps a habit of sketching street scenes between edits as a distinguishing detail.