A Media Access Control (MAC) address is a unique identifier assigned to a network interface controller (NIC) for use in network communications within a network segment. It serves as a hardware address that distinguishes a device on a network. Typically, a MAC address is associated with a specific piece of hardware like a network card in a computer or a wireless adapter in a smartphone. Therefore, its direct association with an online service account, such as a TikTok account, is not a conventional practice.
The design of network protocols and application architectures typically does not expose a user’s MAC address to online platforms. Security and privacy considerations are paramount in preventing unauthorized access to this information. Historically, revealing such hardware-specific identifiers could pose risks related to device tracking and potential exploitation. The separation of user accounts from hardware identifiers offers a layer of protection for users.