China's Threat to Society: The Dark Truth Behind TikTok's Data.

Introduction

There's been ongoing debate about individual data security concerning TikTok, but the broader issue lies in the aggregate data that the app collects. While personal risk might not seem significant to some, it's the ability of entities like China to identify trends from this data that is truly concerning. By analyzing big picture data, they could potentially inject unrest into society.

Recent reports have revealed incidents such as ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, spying on journalists. This surveillance highlights the potential for misuse of the vast amounts of data collected by the app. It raises an important alarm—where is our data going, and how is it being used?

The situation becomes more alarming when considering lawmakers' understanding, or lack thereof, about technology. A notable instance was a North Carolina representative, referred to as Hudson, questioning TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew about the app's use of WiFi. This kind of rudimentary understanding, reminiscent of Senator Stevens' infamous "the internet is a series of tubes" remark, is downright embarrassing. It spotlights the gap between those in power and the critical technological issues of our time.

Young people watching these exchanges must wonder who elected these seemingly out-of-touch officials. In the eyes of anyone under 30, this disconnect is a disgrace and a cause for concern. It underscores the demand for better-informed representatives who can adequately address and comprehend the technological threats our society faces.