The CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, testified before the US Congress regarding data privacy and security concerns related to the popular social media app. During the hearing, Chew addressed the Indian government’s ban on TikTok and other Chinese apps, referring to the ban as “hypothetical.”
Chew emphasized TikTok’s commitment to user safety, stating that the company has taken steps to address concerns about data privacy and security. He explained that TikTok’s US user data is stored in the US, and the company has implemented strict controls on employee access.
“We are committed to transparency, and we are committed to being a trusted platform for our users,” Chew said during the hearing.
Chew’s Concern on This
Chew also addressed concerns about TikTok’s ties to the Chinese government, stating that the company operates independently and is not influenced by any foreign government, including the Chinese government.
“We have a team of experts dedicated to data security and privacy, and we are constantly improving our policies and procedures to ensure that our users’ data is protected,” Chew added. The Indian government banned TikTok and several other Chinese apps in June 2020, citing national security concerns. However, Chew referred to the ban as hypothetical during the hearing, as TikTok is currently challenging the ban in court.
Chew’s testimony before Congress comes amid increasing scrutiny of TikTok’s data privacy and security practices. In August 2020, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that would have banned TikTok in the US, citing national security concerns.
However, the ban was later blocked by a federal judge, and TikTok has since reached a deal with Oracle and Walmart to create a new company, TikTok Global, that would be headquartered in the US.
Despite these efforts, TikTok’s future in the US remains uncertain, with lawmakers and regulators expressing continued concerns about the app’s data privacy and security.
Chew’s testimony was seen as an opportunity for TikTok to address these concerns and reassure lawmakers that the company is taking steps to address them. However, whether Chew’s statements will be enough to satisfy lawmakers and regulators remains to be seen.
