TikTok strengthens the security of its platform with Telefónica Open Gateway's Number Verification API

Telefónica and TikTok, which has more than 3.5 billion downloads (2023) and 1,218 million monthly active users (2024), have teamed up to work together on Open Gateway. In this way, the partnership between the two companies, which kicks off in Brazil, will improve the TikTok login process, without the need for passwords or third party verification. All this is achieved thanks to the implementation of the Telefónica Open Gateway Number Verification API.  

And Mobile World Congress 2024, the most important technology and connectivity event in the world, was the stage on which Michael Modon, Global Head, Product & Mobile Partnerships at TikTok and David del Val, Director of Telefónica Open Gateway, announced this alliance at the Telefónica stand (Hall 3 - 3K31). Both executives say they are "delighted" with the collaboration through Open Gateway, which will, they say, "enhance the customer experience and help explore new opportunities in the future".  

What use will TikTok make of the Telefónica Open Gateway Number Verification API? Thanks to the Number Verification API, the video platform will make login easier, more efficient and more secure. Users will be able to sign up and log in to the TikTok app using their Vivo (Telefonica Brazil) phone number, without the need to enter a password or perform third-party verification.  

The standardised Number Verification API allows to integrate a mechanism to automatically verify if a user is interacting through a device that has a SIM card associated to a certain phone number (MSISDN). This means that the user does not have to interact with any element or enter any kind of credential or one-time password (OTP). The API leverages data from the operator's network, allowing protocols and security measures to be quickly activated and adjusted. In the case of TikTok, the integration of the Number Verification API into its social network counteracts identity theft scams by proactively monitoring and detecting suspicious activity. This approach strengthens security, protects identities and enhances trust in the platform. 

Therefore, the collaboration between Telefónica and TikTok will enable the video platform to leverage Telefónica's network capabilities. The rollout will begin in Brazil and will gradually be extended to the rest of the countries where Telefónica has a presence.  Telefónica's lines of work with TikTok will continue to expand gradually to improve the user experience, such as the ability to display content depending on the location of the devices, more secure transactions based on Blockchain or the optimisation of network and Wi-Fi connectivity.  

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