The pressure continues to mount on TikTok as it works even harder to stave off potential bans in both the US and EU regions, as it tries to win over policymakers and regulators by proving that the app isn’t being used as a surveillance tool by the CCP, hoping to avoid further restrictions. TikTok’s concerted efforts show just how dire its situation has become, it now also faces potential bans in Australia and Canada. All it really takes is one region for others to follow suit, save for the case of India, since that’s within Eastern territory.

The Ban Hammer Looms

Let’s head on over to Europe real quick – TikTok’s European staff have launched a new push to try and win over EU regulators by outlining a plan to ensure that European user data is only stored in its Ireland data center, wholly isolated from the access of Chinese staff. They call the program ‘Project Clover’, and are currently communicating with EU officials in hopes of avoiding further restrictions in the region.

Meanwhile, TikTok has launched a similar campaign in the US called ‘Project Texas’, which looks to highlight how US user data will be similarly barred from outside interference. TikTok has been working on this for some time now, it seems, which it claims has already cost it billions of dollars in development. Even so, that’s still not enough assurance for some officials, with Senator Josh Hawley recently noting that ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, can easily access US user data, and will likely continue to do so as long as the company remains under Chinese ownership.

Hawley is but one of several prominent voices calling for a full TikTok ban in the US, while even FBI Director Christopher Wray has made his concerns known:

“This is a tool that is ultimately within the control of the Chinese government and to me, it screams out with national security concerns.”

Wray has raised similar concerns in the past, as have other prominent security experts, which has boosted the momentum of enacting a new bill that allows President Joe Biden to institute a full ban on the app if he chooses. That bill has since been formally introduced and is a step closer to becoming reality, and the pressure is starting to show.

Just this week, TikTok put out a call out to some of its top creators asking them to show support for the app by appearing in Washington to highlight its importance to US lawmakers.

The Wrap

At this point, as US and Chinese relations continue to crumble, the stress on TikTok is reaching critical mass, with an imminent conclusion soon in sight. The US Government has already summoned TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, which will likely dictate the next steps needed to be taken, potentially in both the EU and the US. Depending on Chew’s answers and whether or not he can satisfy the US Congress, it’s either make or break for TikTok.

Sources

http://bit.ly/3ZBbaxF