Understanding the Potential Hazards of TikTok
The United States House of Representatives recently passed legislation that requires TikTok, the popular social media platform, to either be primarily owned by an American corporation or be blocked in the United States. This move has raised concerns about the potential national security risks associated with the Chinese-owned company. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why TikTok is considered a danger to national security and explore how it compares to other similar companies.
One of the primary concerns surrounding TikTok is its Chinese ownership. As a subsidiary of Beijing-based Bytedance, TikTok and its parent company are obligated to assist Chinese intelligence gathering efforts worldwide. Reports have emerged indicating that Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials use TikTok to collect data on individuals, including protesters and journalists. Given the sensitive nature of the data held by TikTok users, it is concerning to entrust a Chinese company with ties to the CCP to control such information.
While it is true that other companies like Google and Facebook also collect data on American consumers, there are significant differences in how they handle and use that data. For example, Google has refused to collaborate with the U.S. government on advanced technologies like artificial intelligence. This demonstrates a level of independence from government influence that is lacking in Chinese companies like TikTok. The relationship between U.S. firms and the state differs greatly from that of Chinese companies and Party officials.
Furthermore, TikTok collects a vast amount of data compared to other social media platforms and can access more secure areas of a user’s phone. This raises serious concerns, as our phones contain a wealth of personal information about us. With the data access TikTok has in China and its ability to intrude into various aspects of a user’s life, it poses worrying implications in the hands of an authoritarian government.
Chinese companies with potential security risks have been blocked in the United States before, with Huawei being a notable example. Huawei and its competitor ZTE, both directly owned by the Chinese military, have faced accusations of manufacturing insecure devices that pose national security threats. While TikTok may present itself as a consumer-facing platform, the underlying security risks associated with its code cannot be overlooked.
In contrast, U.S. tech companies like Facebook and Google have faced lawsuits for failing to protect consumer data or prevent hacks. The relationship between these companies and the U.S. government also differs significantly. U.S. courts have ruled against granting special government access to user data or allowing control over platform content. Such rulings are unimaginable in China, where the government holds significant control over its citizens and private companies.
In conclusion, TikTok poses significant national security risks due to its data gathering practices, its relationship with Beijing, and the potential security vulnerabilities in its code. The recent legislation passed by the House of Representatives highlights the concerns surrounding this Chinese-owned platform. While TikTok may use catchy videos to capture the attention of millions of Americans, it is crucial to recognize the potential dangers it presents. As the debate continues in the U.S. Senate, it remains to be seen how the future of TikTok will unfold.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
