Time's Up For TikTok

TikTok, a social media platform known for its short, engaging video content, has rapidly emerged as a cornerstone of the digital media realm. With 150 million Americans and 5 million businesses in the U.S. actively using TikTok, it’s safe to say the platform is firmly embedded in our digital culture.?

However, its ownership by ByteDance, a Chinese IT company, has raised concerns that China's potential access to extensive user data might pose a significant risk to U.S. national security. TikTok’s meteoric rise and significant influence have led to recent privacy investigations and concerns.??

The Department of Defense (DoD) has flagged the platform as a "potential threat vector," expressing concerns over the possibility of misinformation dissemination by China, aimed at a particularly young and malleable audience. "One-third of the adult population receives their news from this app, one-sixth of our children are saying they're constantly on this app... this provides a foreign nation a platform for information operations,” said Army Gen. Paul M. Nakasone, commander of U.S. Cyber Command, director of the National Security Agency and chief of the Central Security Service.??

TikTok isn’t the only Chinese platform that has raised privacy concerns in the U.S. Temu, a discount online marketplace that gained attention with a recent Super Bowl commercial, made headlines over a new class action lawsuit. The legal action accuses the platform of gathering excessive user data and weakening security protocols, which has allegedly led to incidents of identity and financial information theft.??

Attorneys claim that Temu collected data on facial characteristics, voiceprints, fingerprints, and private messages, and even claimed that Temu can change a user’s settings and track notifications.???

Between TikTok's potential dangers and Temu's security concerns, the common denominator is China. The United States faces a significant challenge in navigating the balance between enjoying the benefits of innovative technology offered by Chinese companies and protecting its citizens' privacy and security.?

These incidents highlight the critical need for stringent data protection laws and tough cybersecurity measures to safeguard against potential breaches from China. This effort is crucial in protecting users’ personal and financial information in the digital age.??

Just last week, the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee passed a bill with unanimous support aimed at countering Chinese influence via TikTok. The legislation demands that ByteDance divest its ownership of TikTok or face a ban in the U.S.??

The bottom line is: if you use TikTok, stop. NOW! Delete your profile and delete the app. Unless you want the Chinese Communist Party knowing your every move, switch to another platform. The CCP actively seeks to acquire American data to learn everything about you. Your ideological interests, personal photos, search history, and more are being tracked through apps such as TikTok and Temu.??

After gathering this data, the CCP is then able to impact the content you consume, gradually shaping your ideology to ultimately benefit the interests of the Chinese Communist Party. The Chinese use this form of espionage to achieve their desired outcomes in America: increased political polarization, fear mongering, and even election interference.?

Unlike the United States, where clear boundaries exist between the government and the private sector, the distinction between the Chinese government and private enterprises is blurred. This allows the CCP to exercise extensive oversight and control over the private sector. As a result, platforms like TikTok and Temu could be leveraged to collect vast quantities of American data, which could then be used to threaten our national security.??

The legislation passed last week is a step in the right direction. However, until this bill becomes law, there are vital actions we, as Americans, can undertake to support the cause.??

1. Stop using TikTok. For those accustomed to mindlessly scrolling through TikTok, switch to a different platform without Chinese ownership.??

1. Support the investment in American social media platforms and domestically produced technology products. These measures reduce our vulnerability to espionage from adversaries.??

1. Be vigilant. TikTok and Temu probably aren’t the only platforms utilized by the Chinese for espionage. If you hear rumors about potential spyware on a popular platform, don’t use it.??

Time’s up for TikTok.?