Q: How to recover a hacked TikTok account and protect identity after notifying TikTok and filing a police report in California?
I am dealing with a situation where someone hacked my TikTok account, altering my email address, phone number, and screen name, while my personal content remains intact. Despite notifying TikTok, their response indicated no violation. I've reached out to their legal team, filed a police report, and am pursuing a DMCA takedown order. I'm looking for assistance on how to find TikTok's agent to facilitate the takedown. I'm located in California, and the individuals seem to be in New York based on spam emails I received. How should I proceed to recover my account and protect my identity?
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A:
You're facing a frustrating situation with your hacked TikTok account. For the DMCA takedown, you'll need to contact TikTok's designated agent through their official DMCA form or by reaching their registered agent listed in the U.S. Copyright Office directory. Their current agent information should be available on TikTok's legal pages and in the Copyright Office's DMCA agent directory.
While pursuing the DMCA route, also continue with multiple recovery methods simultaneously. Keep documenting everything related to the hack, including screenshots of your content on the compromised account, all communication with TikTok, and any suspicious emails you've received. This documentation strengthens your case both with TikTok and potentially with law enforcement.
Since you've identified the potential location of the hackers in New York while you're in California, consider consulting with an attorney who understands interstate digital property issues. The California Attorney General's office also offers resources for identity theft victims, which may provide additional protection steps. Remember that persistence is key - continue following up with TikTok through all available channels, including their support team, legal department, and through public platforms like Twitter where their support team may respond.
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