Tik Tok Update

Posted by mctracy On March 29, 2023

In January, Responsive Technology Partners analyzed the potential ban on Tik Tok. To read the January blog visit: https://www.responsivetechnologypartners.com/2023/01/11/tik-tok-ban/. Recently, Congress questioned Tik Tok CEO Shou Zi Chew on March 23.

“The federal government, along with many state and foreign governments and some companies, has banned TikTok on work-provided phones. This type of ban can be effective for protecting data related to government work.” (PBS).

A full ban of the app is in conversation in Washington. Many Congress members are joining the lively debate in a multitude of ways.

“Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat of New York who is known for her own large social media following, waded into the debate just before midnight on Friday by posting a video on — what else? — TikTok. The video, her first on the platform, had garnered 1.5 million views by early Saturday morning.” (NY Times).

Ms. Ocasio Cortez is not the only one arguing against the Tik Tok ban, but many others are arguing for the ban amid fear of the security of users data.

“If most apps collect data, why is the U.S. government worried about TikTok? First, they worry about the Chinese government accessing data from its 150 million users in the U.S. There is also a concern about the algorithms used by TikTok to show content.” (PBS).

Overall, the debate is controversial and ongoing. The U.S is still in the process of discussing an overall ban of Tik Tok, having officially banned the use of the app on work phones.

“There are also questions about how effective a ban would be even if it were possible. By some estimates, the Chinese government has already collected personal information on at least 80% of the U.S. population via various means. So, a ban might limit the damage going forward to some degree, but the Chinese government has already collected a significant amount of data. The Chinese government also has access – along with anyone else with money – to the large market for personal data, which fuels calls for stronger data privacy rules.” (PBS).

Want to learn more about improving cyber security? Responsive Technology Partners is the leading cyber-security expert in the Athens, Metter, Milledgeville, Vidalia, and Atlanta, Georgia areas. We also have locations in Tampa, Florida, Roanoke, Virginia, and Raleigh, North Carolina. Service offerings include I.T. support, cyber-security and compliance, cloud-based POS systems and support, telephony, cloud services, cabling, access control, and camera systems. Our company’s mission is to provide world-class customer service through industry leading I.T. solutions that make every customer feel as if they are our only customer. Please visit our website to learn more: https://www.responsivetechnologypartners.com/.

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/25/nyregion/aoc-tiktok-ban-video.html

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/analysis-can-the-u-s-government-ban-tiktok