TikTok has said it will not introduce end-to-end encryption in direct messages, distancing itself from most major social media rivals and arguing that the feature could reduce user safety.

End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and recipient can read a message, making it one of the most secure communication methods available to the public. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and X have adopted the system, saying it strengthens user privacy.

However, critics argue that such encryption can make it more difficult to monitor and prevent harmful content, as it blocks technology companies and law enforcement agencies from accessing messages when concerns arise.

The debate is further complicated by long-standing allegations that TikTok’s links to the Chinese state could expose user data to risk. The company has repeatedly rejected those claims. Earlier this year, its US operations were separated from its global business following directives from American lawmakers.

In a security briefing at its London office, TikTok told BBC that it believes end-to-end encryption would prevent police and safety teams from accessing direct messages when necessary. The company said its decision is aimed at protecting users, particularly young people, from online harm, and described the move as a conscious effort to differentiate itself from competitors.

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TikTok says it has around 30 million monthly users in the UK and more than one billion worldwide. The platform is headquartered in Los Angeles and Singapore and is owned by Chinese technology firm ByteDance. It has faced ongoing scrutiny over its data protection practices.

Social media analyst Matt Navarra described TikTok’s approach as strategically bold but potentially controversial. He said the company could argue that it is prioritising proactive safety over absolute privacy, especially given concerns about grooming and harassment in direct messages.

At the same time, Navarra noted that the decision could place TikTok at odds with global privacy standards and may heighten concerns among some users about the company’s ownership.

Privacy advocates generally consider end-to-end encryption the strongest safeguard against hacking, corporate surveillance and intrusive state monitoring.

#From BBC