Concerns Arise Following TikTok’s New U.S. Ownership Structure
SAN DIEGO — TikTok has unveiled a new ownership paradigm in the United States, forming a majority-American joint venture aimed at fortifying national security through enhanced data protections, algorithm integrity, content oversight, and software governance.
However, this transition has ignited apprehensions among users regarding privacy and control over content.
Cybersecurity analysts assert that, despite the revamped ownership framework and the establishment of a U.S. data center, the underlying technology driving TikTok remains fundamentally unaltered.
“The same vulnerabilities that existed before still persist; it’s still software developed in China, with the algorithm continuing to be under ByteDance’s purview,” remarked Nikolas Behar, a cybersecurity professor at the University of San Diego.
The shift in ownership has sparked a variety of user concerns. Some report being unable to transmit specific words in direct messages, while others allege that their videos voicing criticisms of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s operations are being undermined. Nonetheless, not all users have discerned any notable changes since the transition.
“Not entirely. I’ve seen TikToks emerge discussing certain content being blocked, but I haven’t been able to independently verify if that’s the case,” stated Giorgia Seberini, an active TikTok user.
In light of privacy issues, some users have opted to delete the app entirely.
“I used to be a TikTok user, but I came across numerous videos detailing privacy concerns related to TikTok’s sale to another entity. Consequently, I decided to delete the app,” expressed Jessica Choi.
Experts caution that the new ownership structure may unveil further complications.
“One significant cause for concern is the ownership by Oracle, which aligns with the administration’s interests. This implies that content deemed disapproved by the administration could potentially be subjected to censorship,” warned Behar.
Governor Gavin Newsom recently initiated a review to determine whether TikTok infringes upon state laws by censoring content critical of Trump.
On Monday, TikTok disclosed a significant infrastructural challenge stemming from a power outage at a U.S. data center, which could lead users to experience glitches, protracted load times, or timeouts. While progress is ongoing, some technical issues may linger.
When addressing the safeguarding of personal data, cybersecurity specialists assert that robust protection remains elusive, as the application itself has not changed; it has merely shifted locations.
“The wisest course of action is to reconsider using the app altogether because, ultimately, by installing it and signing up, you grant them permission to collect data on you,” cautioned Behar.
Source link: Cbs8.com.
