TikTok is arguably the most popular app in the world right now, with hundreds of millions of (mostly) young people using the platform for everything from dance moves to political activism. Despite its popularity (or perhaps because of it), the app is facing increased scrutiny because of its alleged ties to the Chinese government. India banned the app last week, and the United States may soon follow suit. In an interview with Fox News on Monday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the current administration is considering banning TikTok and other Chinese apps.
“With respect to Chinese apps on people’s cell phones, I can assure you the United States will get this one right too,” he said in an interview with Laura Ingrahm. “I don’t want to get out in front of the President, but it’s something we’re looking at.” Pompeo also warned the American people that they should only download TikTok “if you want your private information in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party.”
TikTok, for its part, says that it is “led by an American CEO, with hundreds of employees and key leaders across safety, security, product, and public policy here in the US” A spokesperson for the company tells Mic, “We have no higher priority than promoting a safe and secure app experience for our users. We have never provided user data to the Chinese government, nor would we do so if asked.” Continue reading.