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TikTok has your data even if you've never used the app
Introduction
A concerning new report suggests that the social media app TikTok may be collecting user data even from individuals who have never used the app. According to a report from cybersecurity firm Forruit, TikTok trackers can be embedded in websites featuring a TikTok video. These trackers can subsequently capture sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card and banking information, and even personal health details.
This discovery adds further urgency to the Biden Administration's demands for TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its stake in the app, or face a total ban in the United States. The UK has recently banned TikTok on government devices, following similar moves by the United States and the European Union.
The White House's concerns revolve around the potential for ByteDance to share U.S. user data with the Chinese government, use the data for espionage, or disseminate disinformation. Despite two years of negotiations with TikTok over U.S. data security, no concrete resolution has been met.
TikTok argues that a forced sale wouldn't resolve security issues, suggesting that transparent, U.S.-based data protection with robust third-party monitoring is the best solution—measures which it claims it is already implementing. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized the administration's worries over China's potential misuse of software platforms to compromise American national security. The administration has urged Congress to take action accordingly.
In a significant development, TikTok's Chief Executive is set to testify before Congress next week for the first time.
Keyword
- TikTok
- User data
- ByteDance
- Biden Administration
- Cybersecurity
- Tracking
- U.S. bans
- U.K. government
- National security
- White House
- Negotiation
- Congressional testimony
FAQ
Q: What is the main concern regarding TikTok?
A: The main concern is that TikTok may collect sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card details, and personal health information, even from individuals who have never used the app.
Q: What measures have been proposed by the Biden Administration?
A: The Biden Administration has asked TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to sell its stake in the app or face a complete ban in the United States. The administration is concerned about data security and potential misuse by the Chinese government.
Q: How has TikTok responded to these concerns?
A: TikTok claims that a forced sale would not solve the problem. Instead, they propose transparent, U.S.-based data protection measures, with robust third-party monitoring, vetting, and verification which they say are already being implemented.
Q: Has any other country taken similar measures against TikTok?
A: Yes, the United Kingdom recently banned TikTok on government devices, following similar actions by the United States and the European Union.
Q: What upcoming event is related to TikTok and U.S. regulatory scrutiny?
A: TikTok's Chief Executive is scheduled to testify before Congress next week for the first time to address these concerns and ongoing negotiations over U.S. data security.