The US is considering a ban on Chinese social media app TikTok, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told on Monday.
The comment come amid rising tensions between the U.S. and China
The statement come amid rising tensions between the U.S. and China and as scrutiny on TikTok and Chinese technology firms continues to grow.
We are taking this very seriously. We are certainly looking at it. We have worked on this very issue for a long time. Whether it was the problems of having Huawei technology in your infrastructure we’ve gone all over the world and we’re making real progress getting that out. We declared ZTE a danger to American national security. With respect to Chinese apps on peoples’ cellphones, the United States will get this one right too.
Mike Pompeo – US Secretary
Over the last few years, US lawmakers have grown increasingly concerned over TikTok’s handling of user data and the relationship between its parent company and the Chinese government. Lawmakers allege that TikTok could be pressured into handing over data or other intelligence to the Chinese Communist Party.
Washington has been on a campaign against Chinese technology firms
The Trump administration still appears skeptical of TikTok. When asked should Americans download the TikTok app?
Only if you want your private information in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party.
Mike Pompeo
TikTok has previously said that U.S. user data is stored in the United States, with a backup in Singapore. The company also said that its data centers are located entirely outside of China, and none of their data is subject to Chinese law.
TikTok is led by an American CEO, with hundreds of employees and key leaders across safety, security, product, and public policy here in the U.S. We have no higher priority than promoting a safe and secure app experience for our users. We have never provided user data to the Chinese government, nor would we do so if asked.
TikTok Spokesperson
Last week, the Indian government has announced that it would ban TikTok and other 58 popular Chinese based apps that are engaged in national security concerns. TikTok responded to the Indian government’s statement.
TikTok continues to comply with all data privacy and security requirements under Indian law and has not shared any information of our users in India with any foreign government, including the Chinese Government.
TikTok Spokesperson
Reference: CNBC
Source: The Verge
