TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular social media apps and yet, it is also seen by some as a security threat, due to the app’s alleged data collection capabilities. This week, the Indian government banned 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, accusing them of violating the privacy of Indian citizens, while also acting as a retaliation in the country’s dispute with China. The move raises the question of whether countries like the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada could also take stricter actions against TikTok.
Owned by the Chinese company, ByteDance, the app has recently faced criticism over its alleged data collection practices. At the same time, it has grown to become hugely popular, partly thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown orders that have resulted in a record rise in social media app usage in general. Nevertheless, allegations and evidence of the app’s data mining capabilities have routinely come to light. Recently, a new iOS 14 security feature revealed that TikTok continues to spy on people’s clipboard behavior, an issue TikTok claimed was fixed months ago. In addition, last year a class action lawsuit was filed against the app in California, alleging that TikTok is transferring US personal user data to China, including biometric information.
As The Financial Times reports, although a symbolic gesture to capitalize on the prevailing anti-China sentiment, rather than a serious attempt to protect user privacy, India’s decision to ban TikTok is still significant. The app is certainly seen as a security risk, but it is also undeniably popular with more than 200 million users in India, its biggest market. At the global level, the app has passed the two billion downloads mark, joining an exclusive club of apps. While the number of users might increase the data mining concerns, it also makes it difficult for governments to consider a ban. In contrast, the actions of the Indian government took place at a unique time when there was a military skirmish and a national anti-China sentiment.
Is Banning A Popular Social Media App A Good Idea?
TikTok has developed an ecosystem of its own with millions earning an income from it. A blanket ban, apart from having the potential to be seen as an attack on free speech, can economically hurt quite a lot of people, including those who work for the company, and at a time when the world economy is not doing so well in general. Furthermore, banning TikTok could raise questions regarding the data collection practices of other tech companies including Google and Facebook. Therefore, an attempt to ban the app by the US, Canadian or UK governments might be fiercely resisted by the wider tech industry.
Ban aside, it is likely that TikTok needs an image makeover to help sway opinion. The appointment of former Disney executive, Kevin Mayer, as CEO is likely partly designed to help the company and brand move in that direction. With a Disney background, Mayer might be able to change the public image of TikTok from a company with ties to China, to one that’s more friendly and inclusive. In the meantime, the allegations of data mining against the app means there are a lot for users and regulatory bodies to worry about. Thorough investigations, by proper authorities, should be conducted and if found guilty, heavy fines and a push to make the app more transparent might be likely. Such investigations are already under way in Europe.
While a national security review of TikTok was conducted in the US last year, the company didn’t face any serious action as a result. A complete ban does still remain an option, but it might set a political precedent for future action against other apps that governments deem a ‘threat to national security.’ The best thing to do right now, is to make TikTok users aware of the possible dangers of the app.
