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DOJ accuses TikTok of collecting users’ data on sensitive subjects

Introduction

The US Department of Justice is accusing TikTok of gathering Americans' data on sensitive content and censored topics. According to the DOJ, TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, instructed TikTok to collect information about users' views on various social issues, including gun control, abortion, and religion. This claim was detailed in a document filed on Friday.

The DOJ revealed that an internal web system called Lark, which facilitates direct communication between TikTok employees and ByteDance, was used to gather and store this information. They further alleged that the data was stored on Chinese servers and was accessible by ByteDance employees in China.

These court filings by the Justice Department are in response to a federal lawsuit TikTok filed in May. TikTok's lawsuit argues that a new law—mandating TikTok to either be sold or banned in the US—violates the rights of its millions of American users. Under this law, ByteDance has to sell TikTok by mid-January, or the app will face a complete ban in the United States.

Supporters of the law argue that it aims to prevent potential espionage on Americans and stops the Chinese government from influencing the content displayed on TikTok. On the other hand, TikTok has insisted that it would not comply with data demands from the Chinese government.

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Keywords

  • US Department of Justice
  • TikTok
  • ByteDance
  • Data collection
  • Sensitive content
  • Social issues
  • Lark web system
  • Chinese servers
  • Federal lawsuit
  • US ban
  • Espionage
  • Chinese government
  • Content influence

FAQ

1. What is the US Department of Justice accusing TikTok of?

The DOJ is accusing TikTok of gathering Americans' data on sensitive content and censored topics.

2. What type of data is TikTok allegedly collecting?

TikTok is accused of collecting information about users' views on social issues like gun control, abortion, and religion.

3. Who owns TikTok?

TikTok is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance.

4. What internal system is mentioned in the DOJ's filing?

An internal web system called Lark, which allows TikTok employees to communicate directly with ByteDance, is mentioned.

5. Where is the alleged collected data stored?

The DOJ claims that the data is stored on Chinese servers and is accessible by ByteDance employees in China.

6. What does the new law require TikTok to do?

The new law requires ByteDance to sell TikTok by mid-January or the app will be banned in the United States.

7. Why do supporters of the new law believe it's necessary?

Supporters believe the law is necessary to prevent potential espionage on Americans and to stop the Chinese government from controlling the content shown on TikTok.

8. What has TikTok said in response to these allegations?

TikTok has stated that it would not comply with data demands from the Chinese government.

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