Citing concerns about the app’s risks to minor safety, data privacy, and national security for American users, a Congressional committee called TikTok’s security and privacy assurances “worthless” after a hearing with TikTok CEO, Shou Zi Chew.
The committee’s chair, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., said TikTok “is a weapon,” and that the app’s Chinese ownership means the Chinese government could have access to American user data.
Chew defended the app’s security practices, saying that TikTok has “a strong track record of protecting user privacy and security.”
But the committee members were not convinced, with some saying that Chew’s testimony was “not credible” and that TikTok’s assurances were “not worth the paper they’re written on.”
Chew testified that TikTok has hired a team of security experts and is working to improve its security practices. He also said that TikTok does not share user data with the Chinese government. However, lawmakers were not convinced by Chew’s testimony.
“Your assurances are worthless,” said Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Texas). “You have done nothing to earn our trust.”
Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) said that he was “not confident” that TikTok is taking the necessary steps to protect users.
Chew admits former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was banned on TikTok
Chew admitted in testimony that former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was banned by TikTok for 12 days. Freedom’s account was only restored once Congress grilled Chew on Capitol Hill. Freedom is an outspoken critic of China, its surveillance and treatment of its people, and on brands like Nike for leveraging Chinese labor to boost its profits.
Kanter’s account was apparently banned by “US moderators, in error”, yet his account was originally banned on March 11 for “violating community guidelines.”
Kanter claims that TikTok is used by the Chinese government “to brainwash our people”, but defends still using the app as a way to “use their weapon against them [China].” Freedom’s TikTok account has 362,000 followers and more than 6 million likes.
While playing in the NBA for a decade, Kanter frequently wore sneakers with slogans such as “Free Tibet,” “No Beijing” and “Stop Genocide,” a reference to China’s mass detention of Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang region.
In 2021, his career came to an abrupt halt after being traded from the Boston Celtics and being dropped from any future team roster. He has blamed his criticism of China and the NBA’s growing support of the Chinese market as reasons he was unable to continue playing in the league.
Chinese government control remains strong on TikTok
Chew’s testimony comes amid growing concerns about the security and privacy of TikTok users. The app has been accused of sharing user data with the Chinese government, and of censoring content that is critical of the Chinese government.
In recent years, there have been several reports of TikTok users’ data being accessed by Chinese officials.
One resolution that United States’ congress and the Biden Administration keeps calling for is demanding the sale of TikTok from ByteDance, the Chinese-owned and operator of TikTok. But China is “firmly opposing the forced sale” of TikTok.
While ByteDance may claim that they are an independent company not bound by Chinese rules or government control, clearly the Chinese government is intervening to make its position clear: a sale of TikTok is off the table.
TikTok bans are increasing across governments
In 2020, the U.S. government banned TikTok from government-issued devices, citing concerns about the app’s security risks. A number of European and foreign governments have also banned TikTok from government devices.
Some countries are taking it a step further: today, France announced its ban of TikTok, Twitter, Netflix, and even Candy Crush from government devices, citing security concerns.
The committee’s hearing is likely to fuel further concerns about TikTok’s security and privacy practices.
It is also likely to put pressure on TikTok to take steps to address these concerns.
TikTok has denied these allegations, but the company has faced scrutiny from lawmakers around the world. In the United States, TikTok has been under investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Department of Justice (DOJ) across the past several years.
The FTC is investigating whether TikTok violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The DOJ is investigating whether TikTok violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). And the FBI is investigating ByteDance for using TikTok as a spying and surveillance tool against journalists.
Chew’s testimony is unlikely to convince lawmakers that TikTok is taking the necessary steps to protect users.
Where TikTok goes from here, likely only China knows.
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