Is Kik Safe?

If you use or plan to use Kik, you need to know: Is Kik safe? 

Below, we explain whether Kik is: 

• Safe to use. 
• Good for privacy. 

We also look at some steps you can take to improve both your safety and privacy when using this online service. 

What Is Kik?

Kik is a free messaging app available on iOS and Android devices. It allows users to send and receive messages, photos, videos, sketches, and more over the internet. 

Developed by Kik Interactive, the app allows users to sign up with just an email address without providing a phone number. Users are identified by their chosen username, making it easier to maintain privacy.

Kik enables bot integration, and users can interact with various bots for entertainment, customer service, games, and more. Users can find and use different bots in the Bot Shop.

Kik also enables users to follow favorite and promoted brands and to use the Meet New People feature to connect with other users based on shared interests.

Is Kik Safe?

Kik is not generally considered safe. 

Kik has been known to have issues with the presence of inappropriate content and predatory behavior. Children can be exposed to harmful messages, images, and videos that are not suitable for their age. This is worrying, considering that Kik’s primary user base is teens. 

There have been reports of kids being groomed on Kik, as well as sexual assault and even murder.

No data breaches have been announced by Kik at the time of this writing.

Is Kik Private?

No, Kik is not considered private. 

The lack of requirement for users’ personal details is in Kik’s favor when it comes to privacy, as users have to share very little data when using the service. Similarly, other users have little to no access to the identifying details of other users. 

However, Kik is not end-to-end encrypted and collects a lot of data. 

In its privacy policy, Kik outlines that it collects user content and communications, transaction records, location information, usage information, device information, and information gathered from cookies. It also collects information from third parties and offline services. Some of that information is shared with advertisers and law enforcement. 

Kik receives a score of 44% out of 100% (a “Warning”) from Common Sense’s privacy program. Among the issues flagged are the service displaying behavioral or targeted ads and creating data profiles.

Terms of Service;Didn’t Read (ToS;DR), a project that rates internet services’ terms of service and privacy policies, gives Kik a “Grade E,” the worst grade there is.

ToS;DR highlights concerns such as the service being able to read private messages and holding onto content users deleted. 

How to Improve Your Safety and Privacy On Kik

For a safer and more private experience on Kik, follow these steps:

• Block and report users. If someone is bothering you or sending inappropriate content, you can block them. Go to the chat, tap their username at the top, and select “Block.” To report another user, tap their username, then select “Report.”
• Control who can contact you. Set your account to only allow messages from people you have added to your contact list. This reduces the risk of receiving unsolicited messages.
• Use a strong password. Create a strong, unique password for your Kik account to prevent unauthorized access. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words.
• Limit personal information sharing. Avoid sharing personal information such as your full name, address, phone number, or school. Stick to using your username for identification.
• Be careful with links. Don’t click on links from unknown users, as they may lead to malicious websites or phishing attempts.
• Avoid sharing sensitive content. Be mindful of the photos and videos you share. Once something is sent, you lose control over how it is used or shared.
• Turn off address book matching. This feature syncs your contacts with Kik. If you prefer more privacy, turn it off in the settings.
• Customize chat settings. Mute conversations that you don’t want to be disturbed by. You can also leave groups that you find uncomfortable or inappropriate.
• Educate yourself and others. Stay informed about online safety practices. Learn how to recognize phishing attempts, scams, and other online threats. If you are a parent, discuss online safety with your children. Make sure they understand the importance of not sharing personal information and reporting any inappropriate behavior.
• Review your contacts. Periodically review your contact list and remove anyone you no longer wish to communicate with.
• Stay updated. Keep your Kik app updated to the latest version to benefit from new security features and bug fixes.