A recent survey by the Pew Research Center found that a majority of Americans (59%) see TikTok as a major or minor threat to national security in the United States. This is up from 47% in 2021.
There are a number of reasons why Americans may view TikTok as a national security threat. First, TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company that is subject to the laws of the Chinese government. This means that the Chinese government could potentially access TikTok user data, which could be used for espionage or other malicious purposes.
Second, TikTok has been criticized for its lack of transparency about how it collects and uses user data. In 2021, a report by a U.S.-Australian cybersecurity firm found that TikTok could access users’ microphones, cameras, location, and SMS messages without their knowledge or consent.
Third, TikTok has been used by the Chinese government to spread propaganda and disinformation. For example, in 2020, TikTok was used to spread false information about the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to these concerns, the U.S. government has taken a number of steps to address the national security risks posed by TikTok. In 2020, the Trump administration banned TikTok from being downloaded on new devices in the United States. This ban was later blocked by a federal judge.
In 2021, the Biden administration reached an agreement with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to create a new entity that would be responsible for managing TikTok’s data in the United States. This entity would be subject to strict U.S. government oversight.
It is still too early to say whether the new agreement will be enough to address the national security risks posed by TikTok. However, the fact that the U.S. government has taken such a close interest in TikTok suggests that the app is seen as a significant threat.
In addition to national security concerns, there are also a number of other reasons why some people may choose not to use TikTok. These include concerns about the app’s addictiveness, its impact on mental health, and its role in spreading misinformation.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use TikTok is a personal one. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with the app before making a decision.
Here are some of the specific national security risks posed by TikTok:
- The Chinese government could use TikTok to collect data on American users, including their location, contacts, and browsing history. This data could then be used for espionage or other malicious purposes.
- The Chinese government could use TikTok to spread propaganda or disinformation to American users. This could be used to influence American public opinion or to sow discord in the United States.
- The Chinese government could use TikTok to censor content that it deems to be sensitive or politically incorrect. This could limit the free flow of information in the United States.
If you are concerned about the national security risks posed by TikTok, here are some things you can do:
- Be aware of the data that TikTok collects and how it is used.
- Do not share sensitive information on TikTok, such as your location or contact information.
- Be critical of the content that you see on TikTok and be aware of the potential for propaganda or disinformation.
- If you are concerned about your privacy, you can use a VPN to encrypt your traffic when using TikTok.
The decision of whether or not to use TikTok is a personal one. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with the app before making a decision.
