Today is Data Privacy Day, and TikTok’s taking the occasion to outline its commitment to data and consumer protections.
Which, for TikTok, is a key focus right now.
As per TikTok:
“Whether you call it Data Protection Day, as we do in Europe, or Data Privacy Day, as it’s known in the United States, January 28 is an opportunity to reflect on the role privacy plays in our digital lives. Since its start in 2007, this day has inspired organizations and individuals to engage in conversations about how personal information is handled, the choices people have to protect their data, and the work being done behind the scenes to keep it secure. At TikTok, we see this day as a chance to reaffirm our commitment to privacy and share how we’re building trust with our global community.”
Building trust is an interesting way to put it, given that TikTok is either under investigation or banned in many regions, with the U.S. being one of them.
Indeed, the app is technically banned in the U.S. right now, due to the implementation of a government-approved bill which dictates that TikTok must be either sold into U.S. ownership, or shut down in the region.
That stems from concerns raised by cybersecurity experts about the threat that TikTok poses due to the popularity of the app, and its close ties with the Chinese government. The view is that the CCP could look to use TikTok either as a data gathering tool, or as a means to disseminate propaganda. And there is evidence to suggest that TikTok has been used for both purposes in the past, but TikTok maintains that it’s independent, and is not beholden to the Chinese government.
Which is why its statements on Data Privacy Day are of note.
In terms of improving transparency, TikTok points to the launch of its transparency tools, including its Privacy Center, which makes it easier for users to see how their data is used.
TikTok also has a Transparency Center, where it shares insights into the actions taken in the app, while it’s also implemented various initiatives to ensure that U.S. and EU user data is not transferred back to its Chinese home base.
“In Europe, Project Clover continues to set new standards in data-protection. Leading European cybersecurity firm NCC Group is now continuously monitoring, checking and verifying our data security for our European users. In the U.S., U.S. Data Security (USDS) drives our mission to safeguard American users’ data, collaborating closely with our trusted American partner to ensure it remains secure and isolated. This past June, USDS announced a partnership with HaystackID and OnDefend to enhance the platform’s security. These independent firms will act as independent security inspectors for USDS and provide specialized services to bolster data protection and compliance within the U.S.”
Will that be enough to reassure American authorities, and keep TikTok available in the region?
I mean, the President seems pretty confident that TikTok’s all good, and with endorsement like that, it does look like TikTok will eventually find a compromise to meet such concerns.
But given the prevalence of Chinese mis- and disinformation initiatives on other platforms, it remains a concern, which is why authorities in every region continue to monitor TikTok closely.
And there’s still a chance that Trump himself could change his tune once he’s briefed by cybersecurity experts on the full extent of TikTok’s threat level in this respect.
Remember, after being briefed on such, in classified meetings last year, U.S. Senators overwhelmingly voted in favor of banning the app.
So while TikTok is saying the right things, and undertaking various projects on this front, concerns remain about the app.
