TikTok is adding another account safety feature, with iOS users now able to activate passkey access that will then allow them log into the app using on-device biometric authentication options like Face or Touch ID.

This will cut reliance on text-based passwords, therefore making more security possible, as well as limiting the ability hackers have to steal your information or profile in the app.

As TikTok describes:

"Passkey authentication uses the public-private key cryptography techniques. When signing in, users establish a passkey pair by verifying their identity with their Apple Face or Touch ID. Apps that support passkeys, such as TikTok, cannot read or store any of the biometric data used to authenticate a person on an iOS device, and all biometric authentication data stays on users' devices."
It’s a more advanced way to ensure protected access, which is both simple to use and much more difficult to crack. Eventually, TikTok will be looking to enable broader access to these more advanced log-in options, but to begin with, only iOS users will be able to utilize the option.

Along with passkey access, the company has also announced its intention to join The FIDO Alliance an international cybersecurity partnership dedicated to the development and promotion of authentication standards in a bid to reduce reliance on passwords.

"TikTok is a part of hundreds of global tech leaders who have committed their support to the FIDO Alliance in its mission of reducing the world's dependence on passwords. As a member, we work together by encouraging action in the development of FIDO specifications, detailing best practices for the deployment of FIDO Authentication, and promoting overall awareness of the Alliance and its mission worldwide."

That's a good initiative, which will advance the safety tools within TikTok and help users protect their account info.

Of course, a more worrying issue with TikTok is that your data and information can be accessed internally, as Bytedance, its Chinese parent company, can share that info with the Chinese Government.

Passkey access won't do much for this aspect but is still a very nice addition to security, though.

TikTok reported that users of the iOS will be the first to receive the functionality on account passkey activation first in Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America before it spreads across to all regions.