On March 23, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew faced nearly six hours of intense questioning from U.S. lawmakers over national security concerns. Despite Chew’s assurances that the app would not be manipulated by any government and his emphasis on commitments to youth safety and data protection, the hearing left the platform’s 150 million U.S. users uncertain about the app’s future.
Throughout the hearing, Chew was frequently interrupted and criticized, making it challenging to address the lawmakers’ concerns fully. In response to the ongoing debate, reporters took to the streets across the United States to gauge public opinion on whether TikTok poses a genuine threat to user data privacy and security.
“I think all social media platforms manage user data to maximize preferences,” one interviewee stated. “But I don’t believe TikTok poses a greater privacy or security threat than other social media platforms.”
This sentiment reflects a broader skepticism among users who question if the scrutiny directed at TikTok is warranted or if it’s part of a larger geopolitical tension. As discussions continue, users and industry observers alike await clearer answers on the future of TikTok in the U.S. and the implications for data privacy and security.
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Is TikTok really a threat to U.S. user data privacy and security?
cgtn.com
