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Why TikTok Is China's Threat To America

Introduction

TikTok has rapidly become one of the most downloaded apps globally, characterized by its user-friendly platform for creating and sharing short videos. However, beneath its entertaining exterior lies a host of concerning issues primarily related to its ownership and control by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This article outlines the potential dangers of using TikTok, particularly for American users, and explores the manipulation of information that occurs within the app.

Data Collection and Privacy Concerns

TikTok is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, which also operates the heavily censored Chinese version of the app, Douyin. The extent of data collection by TikTok is staggering, with the app reportedly gathering a wide range of personal information, including keystrokes and precise GPS location data, with user consent. Although TikTok claims it does not utilize collected keystroke information to capture sensitive data such as password and credit card numbers, its privacy policy indicates that it reserves the right to read user messages and may share data with government entities.

Notably, leaked audio recordings from internal TikTok meetings have revealed that U.S. user data has been routinely accessed from China. According to TikTok's privacy policy, information can be shared with various corporate affiliates, thus making it possible for the Chinese government to access user data.

Censorship and Information Control

The influence of the CCP over TikTok extends beyond mere data collection; it also involves significant control over the content shared on the platform. TikTok's algorithms are reported to filter out sensitive topics that the Chinese government would prefer to suppress. These include issues like the Tiananmen Square protests, Tibet's independence, and the genocide of Uighurs.

In one noteworthy case from 2019, the app censored a teenager’s video that discussed Uighur genocide under the guise of a makeup tutorial, blocking her account after it gained substantial traction. Although TikTok claimed it was a case of "human error," this incident highlights the underlying censorship present on the app.

Ex-employees from TikTok have stated that employees in China have the final say in whether flagged content is approved, and many moderators in the U.S. have previously worked for Chinese state-run media. These connections raise serious questions about who ultimately controls the information distributed on TikTok.

Government Action and Future Implications

In response to these concerns, the U.S. government has taken measures to limit TikTok’s reach, banning it on government devices and potentially pushing for a broader ban akin to India's actions two years ago. With TikTok's parent company ByteDance under CCP influence, American stakeholders have reason for concern regarding the repercussions of widespread app usage.

As debates continue about privacy regulations and national security, users of TikTok should weigh the implications of using an app with significant ties to an authoritarian regime.

Keyword

  • TikTok
  • ByteDance
  • Chinese Communist Party
  • Data collection
  • Privacy policy
  • Censorship
  • Uighur genocide
  • Content moderation
  • National security

FAQ

1. Why should I consider deleting my TikTok account?
Due to the extensive data collection practices and potential for censorship enforced by the Chinese Communist Party, many users are advised to reconsider their use of the app.

2. What kind of data does TikTok collect?
TikTok collects varied user data, including location information, keystrokes, and possibly reads direct messages—raising concerns about privacy and security.

3. Has TikTok ever engaged in censoring content?
Yes, TikTok has been reported to censor topics that the Chinese government deems sensitive, including discussions about the Uighurs and the Tiananmen Square protests.

4. What actions has the U.S. government taken against TikTok?
The U.S. government has enacted bans on TikTok usage on government devices and is considering more severe regulations or an outright ban.

5. What can users do to protect their privacy on TikTok?
Users should familiarize themselves with TikTok's privacy policy, limit the amount of personal information shared, and consider deleting their accounts if they are concerned with data privacy issues.

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