TikTok’s True Intentions

A Tool for Chinese Government Surveillance

Introduction

With over 1 billion active users worldwide, TikTok is the world’s 6th most popular social network. However, what many users don’t realize is that the app’s ownership and ties to the Chinese government raise serious concerns about data privacy and US national security. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is based in Beijing and is therefore subject to Chinese law, which allows the government to access and collect data from ANY Chinese company.

Article 7 of China’s 2017 National Intelligence Law states that “any organization or citizen shall support, assist and cooperate with the state intelligence work” and Article 10 of the law makes it applicable abroad, compelling Chinese businesses overseas to hand over user data even when operating in foreign jurisdictions.

In this article, we will explore the dangers posed by TikTok’s ties to the Chinese government and its potential use as a surveillance tool. We will also examine the app’s data collection practices and its ability to influence public opinion, as well as the risks these pose to US national security. Finally, we will discuss possible solutions and alternatives for users concerned about their privacy and security.

TikTok’s Ownership & Ties to the Chinese Government

TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese technology company. This fact has raised concerns among US government officials and experts about the Chinese government’s potential use of the app as a tool for surveillance and propaganda.

ByteDance has been accused of having close ties to the Chinese Communist Party, which raises concerns about the data that TikTok collects on its users. TikTok’s data collection practices have come under scrutiny, with experts warning that the app collects vast amounts of personal information, including location data, device information, and browsing history.

These concerns have led to the US government taking action against the app. In August 2020, former President Trump signed an executive order banning TikTok from operating in the US, citing national security concerns. The ban was later blocked by the courts, but the concerns about TikTok’s ownership and ties to the Chinese government persist.

The US government has already taken steps to limit the use of TikTok by government due to concerns about potential Chinese government surveillance, with the White House banning the app from all government devices in a memorandum issued by the Office of Management and Budget.

US officials have also expressed concern about the Chinese government’s potential use of TikTok as a tool for propaganda. The app has been accused of censoring content that is critical of the Chinese government and spreading Chinese propaganda. In 2019, TikTok was fined $5.7 million by the Federal Trade Commission for illegally collecting data on children under the age of 13, raising further concerns about the app’s data collection practices.

Given these concerns, it is clear that TikTok’s ownership by ByteDance and its ties to the Chinese Communist Party pose a potential threat to US national security. The next section will delve deeper into the dangers of TikTok’s data collection practices, which have been a major point of concern for the US government and experts.

The Dangers of TikTok’s Data Collection

TikTok has become infamous for the vast amount of data it collects from its users. From the videos users watch and create to the messages they send and the devices they use, TikTok is constantly collecting personal information and user behavior. This includes sensitive data such as location, contacts, and browsing history. In fact, a report by the Wall Street Journal found that TikTok was collecting MAC addresses, which are unique device identifiers that can be used for tracking, even after users had turned off their device’s tracking settings.

“We collect certain information about the device you use to access the Platform, such as your IP address, user agent, mobile carrier, time zone settings, identifiers for advertising purposes, model of your device, the device system, network type, device IDs, your screen resolution and operating system, app and file names and types, keystroke patterns or rhythms, battery state, audio settings and connected audio devices… We may collect biometric identifiers and biometric information as defined under U.S. laws, such as faceprints and voiceprints, from your User Content.” - TikTok’s Privacy Policy

The potential dangers of this data collection are concerning. There are fears that this data could be shared with the Chinese government or other third parties without user consent. In fact, several US government officials and experts have raised concerns about the potential use of TikTok as a tool for Chinese government surveillance and propaganda.

Furthermore, TikTok’s data collection practices are not transparent, and it is unclear exactly what data is being collected and how it is being used. This lack of transparency raises questions about user privacy and the protection of personal information. If TikTok is collecting and sharing sensitive data without user consent, it could pose a significant risk to individual privacy and security. This extensive data collection ties directly into TikTok’s ability to influence public opinion, which will be discussed in the next section.

TikTok’s Ability to Influence Public Opinion

TikTok’s ability to influence public opinion has been a cause for concern among experts and officials alike. In China, TikTok has been used to spread political propaganda and shape public opinion in favor of the government. This raises questions about TikTok’s potential impact on American culture and society.

TikTok’s algorithms, which are designed to promote content that users are likely to engage with, could be used to spread disinformation or propaganda to a large audience. In addition, the app’s content moderation policies have come under scrutiny for their potential to censor certain viewpoints or promote views that may be considered “extreme” such as those who advocate for violence.

These concerns are particularly worrisome given the popularity of TikTok among younger generations, who are often the most susceptible to propaganda and disinformation. As TikTok continues to grow in popularity in the US, it is important to consider the potential impact of its content on American society.

The risks posed by TikTok’s ability to influence public opinion are significant, and they must be taken seriously by policymakers and the public. In the next section, we will explore the ways in which TikTok’s ties to the Chinese government and potential use as a surveillance tool pose a threat to US national security.

The Risks to US National Security

TikTok’s risks to US national security are significant, and numerous experts have voiced their concerns. One of the main risks is the potential for the Chinese government to use TikTok to collect intelligence on American citizens. The Chinese government has a history of using technology companies to spy on other countries, and TikTok’s ownership by ByteDance raises red flags for US officials. Another concern is the potential for TikTok to be used as a tool for propaganda and disinformation, which could have a significant impact on American society and culture.

Both the FBI and the Federal Communications Commission have warned that ByteDance could share TikTok user data with China’s authoritarian government.

“Many Americans — U.S. service members included — have not been viewing TikTok as a national security threat. They consider it to be just another app for sharing funny videos or memes. But that’s the sheep’s clothing. At its core, TikTok functions as a sophisticated surveillance tool that harvests extensive amounts of personal and sensitive data.” - Testimony of Brendan Carr, FCC Commissioner

US government officials have taken these concerns seriously, with Former President Trump’s administration proposing that ByteDance sell TikTok’s US operations to an American company to alleviate concerns about the Chinese government’s access to American user data. However, this proposal faced legal challenges and has largely been abandoned.

Despite these efforts, the risks to US national security posed by TikTok remain. The app’s extensive data collection capabilities and potential for influence make it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to exploit American citizens. It is essential for policymakers to continue to assess the risks associated with TikTok and other Chinese-owned apps and take steps to protect US national security.

In the next section, we will explore possible solutions and alternatives to address these risks.

Possible Solutions and Alternatives

There are several potential solutions to the risks posed by TikTok to US national security. One option is for the US government to ban or restrict the use of TikTok in the country, as has been done in other countries such as India. Another possibility is for the government to place greater restrictions on the data that TikTok is allowed to collect and share.

In addition to these regulatory measures, users can also take steps to protect their privacy and security. One alternative to TikTok is to use American-owned social media platforms. However, it is important to note that even these platforms collect and share user data, so users should be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions.

Ultimately, the best solution to the risks posed by TikTok may be a combination of regulatory measures and individual action. By working together to raise awareness of the potential dangers of TikTok and taking steps to protect our privacy and security, we can help to mitigate the risks and ensure the safety of ourselves and our country.

In the next section, we will summarize the main points of this article and offer some final thoughts on the issue of TikTok’s true intentions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, TikTok’s ties to the Chinese government and its extensive data collection practices pose a significant threat to US national security. The potential for the app to be used as a tool for surveillance and propaganda, as well as its ability to influence public opinion, cannot be ignored. To address these concerns, the US government may need to consider solutions such as banning or restricting the usage of TikTok, while also promoting American-owned social media platforms that prioritize user privacy and security. As individuals, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with using TikTok and to consider alternatives. It’s crucial that we take steps to protect our privacy and security, especially as technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. By addressing the issues raised by TikTok, we can better ensure the safety and well-being of US citizens both now and in the future.