TikTok Can Threaten America’s Safety, National Security

Introduction

In recent times, there has been growing concern about the security risks posed by popular social media app TikTok. The app has been under scrutiny from lawmakers and government officials who believe that it poses a threat to national security. In this article, we will explore the reasons why TikTok has been deemed a security risk and the steps being taken to mitigate these risks.

Why is TikTok a security risk?

TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create and share short-form videos. The app has become extremely popular, with millions of users worldwide. However, concerns have been raised about the app’s data collection practices and its ties to the Chinese government.

One of the main concerns is that the app collects vast amounts of user data, including location data, device information, and browsing history. This data is then stored on servers in China, where it is subject to Chinese data privacy laws. This has raised concerns that the Chinese government could potentially access this data and use it for surveillance purposes.

Additionally, there are concerns that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has ties to the Chinese government. This has raised concerns that the company could be compelled to share user data with the government or use the app to spread propaganda.

What steps are being taken to mitigate the risks?

Given the concerns about TikTok’s security risks, the US government has taken steps to mitigate these risks. In August 2020, President Trump signed an executive order that would effectively ban the app in the US. However, this ban was later blocked by a federal judge, and the app continues to operate in the US.

More recently, the Biden administration has taken a different approach to TikTok. In June 2021, President Biden signed an executive order that directed the Commerce Department to conduct a review of apps with ties to foreign adversaries, including TikTok. The review is aimed at identifying and addressing the security risks posed by these apps.

In addition to these government actions, TikTok has also taken steps to address the security concerns. The app has hired an independent cybersecurity firm to audit its data privacy practices, and it has also introduced new privacy features that give users more control over their data.

Conclusion

In conclusion, TikTok has been deemed a security risk due to concerns about its data collection practices and ties to the Chinese government. While the app continues to operate in the US, the government is taking steps to mitigate these risks. It remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in addressing the security concerns surrounding TikTok. However, it is clear that the issue of app security is one that will continue to be of concern to lawmakers and government officials in the US and around the world.