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TikTok CEO on how user data is kept private from the Chinese government | WATCH
TikTok CEO on how user data is kept private from the Chinese government | WATCH
Detailed Article
During a crucial meeting with the Senate, TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew, elaborated on the measures taken to protect U.S. user data from the Chinese government. The subcommittee hearing revealed several key points about TikTok's efforts and challenges in maintaining data privacy and security.
Initial Release and Project Texas
TikTok, initially released in 2016, is a social media giant owned by ByteDance, a company headquartered in China. Over the past three years, TikTok has invested billions in "Project Texas," an initiative aimed at safeguarding U.S. data. This project commenced in 2021 and was reportedly completed by March 2023.
Data Deletion and Isolation
Chew articulated that TikTok has initiated a comprehensive data deletion plan. Phase one involves removing U.S. data from servers outside the Oracle Cloud, with phase two focusing on deleting this data from internal systems, including employee devices. TikTok will employ third-party verification to ensure that data deletion is thorough.
No Data Shared with Chinese Government
Addressing concerns, Chew emphasized that TikTok has not been asked to, nor has it shared any U.S. data with the Chinese government, contradicting suspicions stemming from China's National Intelligence Laws.
CIFIUS Review and National Security Concerns
TikTok is currently under review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CIFIUS), primarily concerning its acquisition of Musical.ly. These discussions span both the previous and current U.S. administrations and involve detailed scrutiny of TikTok’s data protection mechanisms.
Popularity among U.S. Teens
Statistical data reveals 63% of U.S. teens use TikTok, even though the average user age in the U.S. is over 30. Chew, who resides in Singapore, noted that while his children do not have access to TikTok due to domestic laws in Singapore, a specially designed under-13 experience is available within the U.S.
Contradictory Reports and Internal Review
A recent Wall Street Journal article claims TikTok still shares U.S. user data such as emails, birthdates, and IP addresses with ByteDance. Chew refuted these allegations, stating that TikTok already engages third-party verification to ensure security measures are adhered to strictly. Furthermore, he asserted that any policy breach by internal personnel would face disciplinary action.
Unprecedented Efforts
Chew concluded by highlighting the extensive measures TikTok has undertaken to address these concerns. The company has relocated U.S. user data to Oracle’s cloud infrastructure, creating a 2,000-person team based in the U.S. to oversee this data. These steps, inclusive of inviting third-party auditors, are unprecedented in the industry.
Ongoing Security Evaluations
TikTok continues to conduct security inspections by both in-house and external auditors to ensure its data protection systems are robust. Chew reassured that if any security gaps are found, the company will act promptly to rectify them and penalize any employee found violating policies.
Keywords
Keywords:
- TikTok
- User Data
- Project Texas
- Data Deletion
- Chinese Government
- National Security
- CIFIUS Review
- Wall Street Journal
- ByteDance
- Third-party Verification
- Oracle Cloud
FAQ
FAQ:
Q1: When was TikTok initially released? A1: TikTok was initially released in 2016.
Q2: What is Project Texas? A2: Project Texas is an initiative by TikTok to safeguard U.S. user data, involving billions of dollars in investment over three years, initiated in 2021.
Q3: Has TikTok shared U.S. user data with the Chinese government? A3: According to CEO Shou Zi Chew, TikTok has not been asked to and has never shared U.S. user data with the Chinese government.
Q4: What is the purpose of the CIFIUS review? A4: The CIFIUS review is focused on evaluating TikTok's acquisition of Musical.ly for potential national security risks.
Q5: Are TikTok's data protection measures validated by external parties? A5: Yes, TikTok has third-party verification in place to ensure their data protection measures are robust and adhered to.
Q6: How does TikTok ensure ongoing data security? A6: TikTok conducts ongoing security inspections by both internal and third-party auditors and takes disciplinary action against any policy breaches by employees.
Q7: What special feature is available for children under 13 in the U.S.? A7: TikTok has an under-13 experience designed for children in the U.S., adhering to mixed audience app regulations.