"I’m Singaporean": TikTok CEO Chew Shou Zi on whether he has to cooperate with Chinese intel

Introduction

In response to concerns regarding data privacy and national security, TikTok CEO Chew Shou Zi recently faced a challenging question during a congressional hearing. At the heart of the inquiry is China's 2017 National Intelligence Law, which mandates that any organization or citizen must support, assist, and cooperate with state intelligence work as required by law. This law also emphasizes the necessity of maintaining secrecy concerning state intelligence activities.

The essence of the inquiry centered on whether TikTok, a platform owned by its parent company ByteDance, would be compelled to share data collected on U.S. users if requested by the Chinese government. Given the potential implications for American users, the law raises substantial concerns about privacy and the obligation of TikTok employees in China to comply with such requests.

In his response, Chew, who is of Singaporean descent, pointed out that he is not a Chinese citizen, which implies he may not be subject to the same legal obligations under Chinese law. However, this raises further questions about the extent of ByteDance’s compliance with the law, particularly regarding data operations and management within its U.S. segment, dubbed "Project Texas."

The tension between privacy, national security, and compliance with foreign laws continues to be a focal point of debate as TikTok navigates its role in the global digital ecosystem.

Keyword

TikTok
CEO Chew Shou Zi
Chinese intelligence
National Intelligence Law
ByteDance
privacy concerns
Project Texas
compliance

FAQ

Q1: What is the 2017 National Intelligence Law of China?
A1: The 2017 National Intelligence Law mandates that any organization or citizen must cooperate with state intelligence work and maintain secrecy regarding such activities.

Q2: Has TikTok been accused of sharing U.S. user data with the Chinese government?
A2: Yes, there have been ongoing concerns about TikTok’s potential obligations to share data with the Chinese government under Chinese law.

Q3: How does Chew Shou Zi's nationality play a role in this discussion?
A3: Chew is Singaporean, which he highlighted during the hearing, suggesting he may not be subject to the same legal obligations as Chinese citizens.

Q4: What is "Project Texas”?
A4: "Project Texas" refers to TikTok's initiative to secure U.S. user data and address privacy concerns by using domestic servers and complying with U.S. regulations.

Q5: Why is compliance with Chinese law a concern for TikTok?
A5: Compliance poses a risk to user privacy in the U.S. and may lead to potential data sharing with the Chinese government, heightening national security concerns.