On March 23, TikTok’s CEO will testify to Congress about the effects of the application on children, and the relationship of the platform and the Chinese Communist Party. This is the first time that the CEO has been heard. “Americans have a legal right to know the impact these actions have upon their privacy,” said Cathy McMorris Rodgers (head of a powerful House Committee that initiated the hearing).
Shou Zi Chew, the CEO of the Chinese social networking, was already in Brussels in January to meet with senior European officials.
TikTok has been heavily criticized by both Democrats as well as Republicans in the United States. The passage of a law banning the popular video sharing platform on devices of public officials has created tensions. The platform may be further complicated by the increased weight of Republicans in Congress, who now hold the majority.
Spionage tool accused
Conservative elected officials accuse TikTok of being a tool for espionage and propaganda in the service Beijing. “Deliberately allowed Chinese Communist Party access to the data of American user,” denounced Cathy McMorris Rogers, an elected official.
TikTok USA might have to dissociate from its parent company ByteDance if it wants to continue being allowed on all U.S. phones.