TikTok’s ability to provide “uplifting” content and its impact on UK-China relations have raised concerns for the UK government regarding the use of data of millions of Britons, according to the technology secretary. The acceptance of video apps is being shaped by these concerns, the secretary stated.
After a US court upheld legislation that could potentially result in TikTok being banned or sold in the US, Peter Kyle expressed his worries about the platform’s data usage in relation to ownership models. “I am genuinely concerned about their use of data in relation to ownership models,” he told the Guardian.
However, following President Donald Trump’s executive order temporarily suspending the US ban for 75 days, Kyle referred to TikTok as a “desirable product” that enables young people to embrace different cultures and ideologies freely. He emphasized the importance of exploring new things and finding the right balance between the euphoria TikTok offers and potential concerns about Chinese propaganda.
A recent study from Rutgers University indicated that heavy users of TikTok in the US demonstrated an increase in pro-China attitudes by around 50%. There are fears that the Chinese government could access the data collected by the app. TikTok claimed to use moderation algorithms to remove content related to alleged abuses by the Chinese Communist Party and the suppression of anti-China material.
The study concluded that TikTok’s content aligns with the Chinese Communist Party’s goal of shaping favorable perceptions among young viewers, potentially influencing users through psychological manipulation. It described TikTok as a “flawed experiment.”
In response to these findings, Kyle urged caution when using TikTok, highlighting the presence of bias in editorial decisions made by various platforms and broadcasters. He emphasized the government’s commitment to monitoring social media trends and taking action if necessary to safeguard national security.
When asked about concerns regarding TikTok as a propaganda tool, Kyle stated that any actions taken by the government would be made public. He also mentioned being mindful of China’s relationships with other countries, clarifying that his comments were not specifically directed at China.
Regarding the ban on TikTok in the US, Kyle noted the potential risks associated with using the Chinese version of the app, which could involve data collection and the dissemination of propaganda. He expressed concerns about the implications of such actions.
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A representative from TikTok emphasized that the UK app is operated by a UK-registered and regulated company, investing £10bn to ensure user data protection in the UK and Europe through independent monitoring and verification of data security.
The Chinese government stated that it does not hold shares or ownership in ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, which is majority-owned by foreign investors. The founder, Zhang Yiming, owns 20% of the company.
In 2018, Mr. Zhang posted a “self-confession” announcing the shutdown of an app due to content conflicting with core socialist values and failing to guide public opinion properly. Following criticism on state television, he acknowledged corporate weaknesses and the need for a better understanding and implementation of political theories promoted by Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping.
Source: www.theguardian.com
