TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance is again under the radar as another ex-employee accuses the firm of spying. The former executive that the members of the Communist Party of China were able to access the data of Hong Kong protestors and used every possible means to curb the pro-democracy protestors.

ByteDance helped China to track Hong Kong activists?

A former executive of TikTok parent ByteDance has claimed that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has backdoor access to all the users’ data, including the data stored in US.&nbsp;

The claims were made by Yintao “Roger” Yu in a lawsuit filed on Friday in California state court for wrongful termination from his job.&nbsp;

Yu, who was the head of engineering for ByteDance's US offices from August 2017 to November 2018,&nbsp;claimed that the firm gave “supreme access” of all the data generated on the TikTok app to the CCP.&nbsp;

In his complaint, Yu said that he was terminated from his job after he complained to the supervisors about “brazenly unlawful conduct” at the company.&nbsp;

He further alleged that inside the Beijing-based company, the CCP "had a special office or unit, which was sometimes referred to as the 'Committee'."&nbsp;

“The Committee" didn't work for ByteDance but played a significant role," in part by "guiding how the company advanced core Communist values," the lawsuit claims.&nbsp;

ByteDance has termed these allegations “baseless” and said that it will contest the claims made by the former employee in the court.&nbsp;

“ByteDance is committed to respecting the intellectual property of other companies, and we acquire data in accordance with industry practices and our global policy,” a spokesperson said in a statement, which noted that Yu worked for the company for less than a year, reports Bloomberg.&nbsp;

<h2>TikTok hit with $15.9 million fine in UK: Global crackdown on Chinese app</h2>

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The former employee further alleged that his former superiors dismissed his concerns when he brought their attention to the tech firm stealing copyrighted content from other platforms including Instagram and Snapchat, and manufacturing users to boost its metrics and help China’s Communist Party spread propaganda to a larger audience.&nbsp;

He further said that he was appalled by the “misdirection” of TikTok Chief Executive Officer Shou Chew’s March testimony before Congress to allay national security concerns about the platform’s ties to China.&nbsp;

“It was known within the company that a special government-controlled committee had a significant role even though it did not work for ByteDance, Yu said.&nbsp;

“The Committee maintained supreme access to all the company data, even data stored in the United States,” according to the suit. &nbsp;

“After receiving criticism about access from abroad, individual engineers in China were restricted from accessing U.S. user data, but the Committee continued to have access.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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A former executive of TikTok parent ByteDance has claimed that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has backdoor access to all the users’ data, including the data stored in US.

A former executive of TikTok parent ByteDance has claimed that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has backdoor access to all the users’ data, including the data stored in US. The claims were made by Yintao “Roger” Yu in a lawsuit filed on Friday in California state court for wrongful termination from his job. Yu, who was the head of engineering for ByteDance's US offices from August 2017 to November 2018, claimed that the firm gave “supreme access” of all the data generated on the TikTok app to the CCP. In his complaint, Yu said that he was terminated from his job after he complained to the supervisors about “brazenly unlawful conduct” at the company. He further alleged that inside the Beijing-based company, the CCP "had a special office or unit, which was sometimes referred to as the 'Committee'." “The Committee" didn't work for ByteDance but played a significant role," in part by "guiding how the company advanced core Communist values," the lawsuit claims. ByteDance has termed these allegations “baseless” and said that it will contest the claims made by the former employee in the court. “ByteDance is committed to respecting the intellectual property of other companies, and we acquire data in accordance with industry practices and our global policy,” a spokesperson said in a statement, which noted that Yu worked for the company for less than a year, reports Bloomberg. TikTok hit with $15.9 million fine in UK: Global crackdown on Chinese app The former employee further alleged that his former superiors dismissed his concerns when he brought their attention to the tech firm stealing copyrighted content from other platforms including Instagram and Snapchat, and manufacturing users to boost its metrics and help China’s Communist Party spread propaganda to a larger audience. He further said that he was appalled by the “misdirection” of TikTok Chief Executive Officer Shou Chew’s March testimony before Congress to allay national security concerns about the platform’s ties to China. “It was known within the company that a special government-controlled committee had a significant role even though it did not work for ByteDance, Yu said. “The Committee maintained supreme access to all the company data, even data stored in the United States,” according to the suit. “After receiving criticism about access from abroad, individual engineers in China were restricted from accessing U.S. user data, but the Committee continued to have access.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Chinese Communist Party has access to TikTok's US user data: Ex-ByteDance employee 

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Gemini Sankaran, pioneer of Indian Circus dies at the age of 99 in Kannur, China's ByteDance pushes Lemon8 in the United States as TikTok faces possible ban, says report, World Bank report reveals Indian workers earn 120% more abroad, German Air Force says it intercepted Russian aircraft over Baltic Sea.

Gemini Sankaran, pioneer of Indian Circus dies at age of 99 in Kerala's Kannur

ByteDance is pushing a new social media app in the United States as the Chinese tech giant's flagship app TikTok faces a possible ban. According to a report by CNBC late Monday (April 24), ByteDance had invited creators onto the Lemon8 platform before it officially rolls out in the US. Lemon8, a lifestyle app, is a blend of Instagram and Pinterest. The app was first launched in Japan in 2020. Citing data.ai, a data analytics firm, the CNBC report on Monday said that Lemon8 jumped 693 positions to become the second-most downloaded lifestyle app in the US in the last 30 days. Since its launch, Lemon8 accumulated 17 million downloads worldwide.&nbsp;

Glenn Gerstell, a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that some of the algorithms used in Lemon8 are similar to or the same as the recommendation algorithms in TikTok, which would make these apps "tremendously popular" as they feed people what they want to see and move on.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-google-are-involved-in-cognitive-war-on-russia-chinese-military-study-584734">TikTok, Google are involved in ‘cognitive war’ on Russia: Chinese military study</a>

Lindsay Gorman, a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund, meanwhile, said, "You could see this as the competitive move of a company that’s trying to expand into different consumer markets and segments with more image-based and longer-form written content as opposed to only short-form videos."

Lemon8's growing popularity comes as TikTok faces a possible ban in the US amid concerns about potential Chinese government influence over the platform. CNBC reported that the lifestyle app's links to ByteDance and TikTok will come under the radar of American regulators.&nbsp;

While pointing out Lemon8's success in Japan, Glenn Gerstell said that if the app gets shut out of the US market, "they have still got (millions of) people around the world who could be users of this app."

Both Gerstell and Lindsay Gorman said that Lemon8 could also serve as an alternative for content creators if TikTok was banned in the US.&nbsp;

However, creating another app to replace TikTok was not a quick solution for ByteDance, according to analysts. Glenn Gerstell said, “It might give them a fallback in case something gets hurt on TikTok but I don’t see it as generating a solution for ByteDance in this regard.”&nbsp;

And Lindsay Gorman said as Lemon8 gained more popularity, it spoke to the need for American regulators to come up with a comprehensive framework to understand "the risks of Chinese internet apps and address them before they spiral out of control."

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ByteDance is pushing a new social media app in the United States as the Chinese tech giant's flagship app TikTok faces a possible ban. According to a report by CNBC late Monday (April 24), ByteDance had invited creators onto the Lemon8 platform before it officially rolls out in the US.

ByteDance is pushing a new social media app in the United States as the Chinese tech giant's flagship app TikTok faces a possible ban. According to a report by CNBC late Monday (April 24), ByteDance had invited creators onto the Lemon8 platform before it officially rolls out in the US. Lemon8, a lifestyle app, is a blend of Instagram and Pinterest. The app was first launched in Japan in 2020. Citing data.ai, a data analytics firm, the CNBC report on Monday said that Lemon8 jumped 693 positions to become the second-most downloaded lifestyle app in the US in the last 30 days. Since its launch, Lemon8 accumulated 17 million downloads worldwide. Glenn Gerstell, a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that some of the algorithms used in Lemon8 are similar to or the same as the recommendation algorithms in TikTok, which would make these apps "tremendously popular" as they feed people what they want to see and move on. ALSO READ | TikTok, Google are involved in ‘cognitive war’ on Russia: Chinese military study Lindsay Gorman, a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund, meanwhile, said, "You could see this as the competitive move of a company that’s trying to expand into different consumer markets and segments with more image-based and longer-form written content as opposed to only short-form videos." Lemon8's growing popularity comes as TikTok faces a possible ban in the US amid concerns about potential Chinese government influence over the platform. CNBC reported that the lifestyle app's links to ByteDance and TikTok will come under the radar of American regulators. While pointing out Lemon8's success in Japan, Glenn Gerstell said that if the app gets shut out of the US market, "they have still got (millions of) people around the world who could be users of this app." Both Gerstell and Lindsay Gorman said that Lemon8 could also serve as an alternative for content creators if TikTok was banned in the US. However, creating another app to replace TikTok was not a quick solution for ByteDance, according to analysts. Glenn Gerstell said, “It might give them a fallback in case something gets hurt on TikTok but I don’t see it as generating a solution for ByteDance in this regard.” And Lindsay Gorman said as Lemon8 gained more popularity, it spoke to the need for American regulators to come up with a comprehensive framework to understand "the risks of Chinese internet apps and address them before they spiral out of control." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China's ByteDance pushes Lemon8 app in US as TikTok faces possible ban: Report

Over two dozen state governments in the United States have placed web-tracking code made by TikTok's parent company ByteDance on their official websites. Citing a report from Toronto-based company Feroot Security, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday (March 21) that a review of websites of over 3,500 companies, organisations and governments entities by Feroot found that the so-called tracking pixels from ByteDance were present in 30 American state government websites across 27 states, including those where TikTok was banned from state networks and devices.&nbsp;

The report said that administrators who manage government websites use such pixels to help measure the effectiveness of advertising they have purchased on TikTok. This helps government agencies determine how many people saw an advertisement on the social media platform and took an action such as visiting a website or signing up for a service.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-ceo-shou-zi-chew-to-testify-that-app-has-never-shared-data-with-chinese-government-574637">TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew to testify that app never shared users’ data with Chinese government</a>

The report added that pixels' proliferation offers another vector for data collection beyond TikTok's mobile app, which has been severely criticised in the US as a possible way for China to collect data on American citizens.&nbsp;

Feroot's Chief Executive Ivan Tsarynny said that TikTok's pixels could be watching and recording people when they are reviewing their driver's licence, paying taxes or filing out doctors' forms. Tsarynny said that pixels should be removed from the websites of government agencies and companies which collect personal details.&nbsp;

Security experts have pointed out that while web-tracking pixels ostensibly aim to better pinpoint advertising, they also pose privacy threats.&nbsp;

Replicating a sampling of Feroot Security's findings, The Wall Street Journal identified TikTok tracking pixel in the code of a Maryland Department of Health Covid website and a Utah government website aimed at helping job seekers. Recently, both Maryland and Utah issued executive orders banning TikTok from state-owned devices and networks.&nbsp;

However, this tracking pixel remained embedded in these two websites as recently as last week.

Speaking to the publication, a spokesperson from the Utah Department of Workforce Services said that the department works with an advertising agency to run educational campaigns that inform the state's residents about how to access programmes that could help them get a better jobs. The spokesperson added the tracking pixel was used in such a campaign.&nbsp;

On the other hand, a spokesperson from Maryland's health department said that the pixel on its website was part of an advertising campaign launched in August and the state was investigating why it remained on the site after the campaign ended. The spokesperson added that the pixel was removed as of March 17.&nbsp;

A spokesperson from TikTok, meanwhile, said that the data that the platform receives from advertisers are used to improve the effectiveness of our advertising services.&nbsp;

“Our terms instruct advertisers not to share certain data with us, and we continuously work with our partners to avoid inadvertent transmission of such data," the spokesperson added.&nbsp; 
 
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Over two dozen state governments in the United States have placed web-tracking code made by TikTok's parent company ByteDance on their official websites. Citing a report from Toronto-based company Feroot Security, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday (March 21) that a review of websites of over 3,500 companies, organisations and governments entities by Feroot found that the so-called tracking pixels from ByteDance were present in 30 American state government websites across 27 states, including those where TikTok was banned from state networks and devices.

Over two dozen state governments in the United States have placed web-tracking code made by TikTok's parent company ByteDance on their official websites. Citing a report from Toronto-based company Feroot Security, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday (March 21) that a review of websites of over 3,500 companies, organisations and governments entities by Feroot found that the so-called tracking pixels from ByteDance were present in 30 American state government websites across 27 states, including those where TikTok was banned from state networks and devices. The report said that administrators who manage government websites use such pixels to help measure the effectiveness of advertising they have purchased on TikTok. This helps government agencies determine how many people saw an advertisement on the social media platform and took an action such as visiting a website or signing up for a service. ALSO READ | TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew to testify that app never shared users’ data with Chinese government The report added that pixels' proliferation offers another vector for data collection beyond TikTok's mobile app, which has been severely criticised in the US as a possible way for China to collect data on American citizens. Feroot's Chief Executive Ivan Tsarynny said that TikTok's pixels could be watching and recording people when they are reviewing their driver's licence, paying taxes or filing out doctors' forms. Tsarynny said that pixels should be removed from the websites of government agencies and companies which collect personal details. Security experts have pointed out that while web-tracking pixels ostensibly aim to better pinpoint advertising, they also pose privacy threats. Replicating a sampling of Feroot Security's findings, The Wall Street Journal identified TikTok tracking pixel in the code of a Maryland Department of Health Covid website and a Utah government website aimed at helping job seekers. Recently, both Maryland and Utah issued executive orders banning TikTok from state-owned devices and networks. However, this tracking pixel remained embedded in these two websites as recently as last week. Speaking to the publication, a spokesperson from the Utah Department of Workforce Services said that the department works with an advertising agency to run educational campaigns that inform the state's residents about how to access programmes that could help them get a better jobs. The spokesperson added the tracking pixel was used in such a campaign. On the other hand, a spokesperson from Maryland's health department said that the pixel on its website was part of an advertising campaign launched in August and the state was investigating why it remained on the site after the campaign ended. The spokesperson added that the pixel was removed as of March 17. A spokesperson from TikTok, meanwhile, said that the data that the platform receives from advertisers are used to improve the effectiveness of our advertising services. “Our terms instruct advertisers not to share certain data with us, and we continuously work with our partners to avoid inadvertent transmission of such data," the spokesperson added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Over two dozen state govts use trackers made by TikTok’s parent company, says report

According to a new report from a cybersecurity company, more than two dozen state governments have placed web-tracking code made by TikTok parent ByteDance Ltd. on official websites.

TikTok trackers embedded in US state-government websites

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is set to testify Thursday in front of US lawmakers that the Chinese-owned app has never shared the data of US users with the government in China. The app, with over 150 million American users, has faced allegations that it shares user data with China, raising national security concerns.

“TikTok has never shared, or received a request to share, US user data with the Chinese government. Nor would TikTok honour such a request if one were ever made,” Chew will testify on Thursday, according to a written testimony posted on Tuesday by the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee.

The written testimony also says that TikTok's parent company ByteDance is not owned or controlled by any government or state entity. "Let me state this unequivocally: ByteDance is not an agent of China or any other country."

Calls for banning the app in the US have been growing, with lawmakers fearing that the app passes on data to the Chinese government. Several states have already banned its use on government devices. TikTok says that the Biden administration has asked Chinese owners to divest their stake in the app, or else it could face a ban in the country.

"Bans are only appropriate when there are no alternatives. But we do have an alternative," Chew's testimony said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-monthly-active-users-in-us-jump-to-150-million-ceo-set-to-testify-before-congress-574185">TikTok's monthly active users in US jump to 150mn, company makes PR effort to tackle sullied image</a>

TikTok has said that in order to make the app more secure, it has spent more than $1.5 billion on rigorous data security efforts under the name "Project Texas". The company is also trying to convince lawmakers and the Biden administration to support the plan.

In 2020, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) unanimously recommended that ByteDance divest TikTok. ByteDance sought a deal with Walmart and Oracle to shift TikTok's US assets into a new entity but failed to reach a deal.&nbsp;

The video app has been in talks with CFIUS for more than two years, trying to reach an agreement on protecting data.

A special-purpose subsidiary, TikTok US Data Security (USDS), was formed which currently has nearly 1,500 full-time employees. It has entered a contract with Oracle to store TikTok’s US user data.

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Chew said when the process is complete, "all protected US data will be under the protection of US law and under the control of the U.S.-led security team. Under this structure, there is no way for the Chinese government to access it or compel access to it."

According to Chew's testimony, 60 per cent of ByteDance is owned by global institutional investors, including Blackrock, General Atlantic, and Sequoia, about 20 per cent by the company’s founders, and about 20 per cent by its employees "including thousands of Americans."

(With inputs from agencies)

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TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is set to testify Thursday in front of US lawmakers that the Chinese-owned app has never shared the data of US users with the government in China.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is set to testify Thursday in front of US lawmakers that the Chinese-owned app has never shared the data of US users with the government in China. The app, with over 150 million American users, has faced allegations that it shares user data with China, raising national security concerns. “TikTok has never shared, or received a request to share, US user data with the Chinese government. Nor would TikTok honour such a request if one were ever made,” Chew will testify on Thursday, according to a written testimony posted on Tuesday by the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee. The written testimony also says that TikTok's parent company ByteDance is not owned or controlled by any government or state entity. "Let me state this unequivocally: ByteDance is not an agent of China or any other country." Calls for banning the app in the US have been growing, with lawmakers fearing that the app passes on data to the Chinese government. Several states have already banned its use on government devices. TikTok says that the Biden administration has asked Chinese owners to divest their stake in the app, or else it could face a ban in the country. "Bans are only appropriate when there are no alternatives. But we do have an alternative," Chew's testimony said. Also Read | TikTok's monthly active users in US jump to 150mn, company makes PR effort to tackle sullied image TikTok has said that in order to make the app more secure, it has spent more than $1.5 billion on rigorous data security efforts under the name "Project Texas". The company is also trying to convince lawmakers and the Biden administration to support the plan. In 2020, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) unanimously recommended that ByteDance divest TikTok. ByteDance sought a deal with Walmart and Oracle to shift TikTok's US assets into a new entity but failed to reach a deal. The video app has been in talks with CFIUS for more than two years, trying to reach an agreement on protecting data. A special-purpose subsidiary, TikTok US Data Security (USDS), was formed which currently has nearly 1,500 full-time employees. It has entered a contract with Oracle to store TikTok’s US user data. × Chew said when the process is complete, "all protected US data will be under the protection of US law and under the control of the U.S.-led security team. Under this structure, there is no way for the Chinese government to access it or compel access to it." According to Chew's testimony, 60 per cent of ByteDance is owned by global institutional investors, including Blackrock, General Atlantic, and Sequoia, about 20 per cent by the company’s founders, and about 20 per cent by its employees "including thousands of Americans." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew to testify that app never shared users’ data with Chinese government

Chinese application TikTok has long been under spotlight for its huge craze in US communities. But another tool by owner company ByteDance Ltd is now gaining eyeballs and is becoming an emerging player in the world of video-editing tools in United States.&nbsp;It is TikTok’s lesser-known sibling, CapCut.&nbsp;

While TikTok has long been surrounded by allegations of spying and is banned in several countries amid security concerns, the new video editing app is gaining popularity for completely different reasons.&nbsp;

CapCut is an application that helps users edit their videos making them much more professional. Several editing features are available in the video editing tool. One can make use of various templates, use many available filters, apply visual effects and put background music in their videos with the aid of the application.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The app stores the data in the US and Singapore, same as TikTok.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-arrested-after-khalistani-extremists-vandalised-indian-high-commission-in-uk-573718">One arrested after Khalistani extremists vandalise Indian High Commission in UK</a>

The videos edited by CapCut can be used not just for TikTok, Facebook and Instagram but also for YouTube because of the way it edits the video in a professional fashion.&nbsp;

The application was launched in 2020, however it is seemed to have grown tremendously in the recent times. According to statistics by Shanghai-based data tracker Diandian, the video editing tool has over 200 million monthly active users.&nbsp;

While on one side, TikTok continues to face increased scrutiny over suspicions of data theft, the sibling app CapCut is not facing the same fate so far.&nbsp;

Even as the calls for TikTok ban grows, the Chinese video hosting app maintains a steadfast position that it never shared the user data with the Chinese authorities or spied on any government.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-african-investigator-cloete-murray-who-looked-into-state-corruptions-shot-dead-573769">South African investigator Cloete Murray, who looked into state corruptions, shot dead</a>

Meanwhile, as per CapCut's privacy policy, the video editing app collects photos, videos, user's location, gender and date of birth. These are some of the common things that video-editing apps use.&nbsp;But is it safe?&nbsp;

Last year, the application was topping the app-stores charts &nbsp;in terms of number of downloads in US standing tall alongside other popular apps like TikTok and online fashion store Shein.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/after-iran-saudi-pact-china-to-play-peacemaker-in-ukraine-war-573689">After Iran-Saudi pact, China to play peacemaker in Ukraine war?</a>

The app, till last year, did not come with any chargeable fees but it started charging users for cloud storage service and for some of its premium options. The company is also recruiting people for designing templates.&nbsp;CapCut along with several other Chinese apps are banned in India.&nbsp;

As per Sensor Tower,&nbsp;CapCut’s global downloads spiked to 43 per cent&nbsp;to over 400 million last year. About 7 per cent of its global downloads since last year came just from United States.&nbsp;

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Chinese application TikTok has long been under spotlight for its huge craze in US communities. But another tool by owner company ByteDance Ltd is now gaining eyeballs and is becoming an emerging player in the world of video-editing tools in United States.

Chinese application TikTok has long been under spotlight for its huge craze in US communities. But another tool by owner company ByteDance Ltd is now gaining eyeballs and is becoming an emerging player in the world of video-editing tools in United States. It is TikTok’s lesser-known sibling, CapCut. While TikTok has long been surrounded by allegations of spying and is banned in several countries amid security concerns, the new video editing app is gaining popularity for completely different reasons. CapCut is an application that helps users edit their videos making them much more professional. Several editing features are available in the video editing tool. One can make use of various templates, use many available filters, apply visual effects and put background music in their videos with the aid of the application. The app stores the data in the US and Singapore, same as TikTok. Also Read | One arrested after Khalistani extremists vandalise Indian High Commission in UK The videos edited by CapCut can be used not just for TikTok, Facebook and Instagram but also for YouTube because of the way it edits the video in a professional fashion. The application was launched in 2020, however it is seemed to have grown tremendously in the recent times. According to statistics by Shanghai-based data tracker Diandian, the video editing tool has over 200 million monthly active users. While on one side, TikTok continues to face increased scrutiny over suspicions of data theft, the sibling app CapCut is not facing the same fate so far. Even as the calls for TikTok ban grows, the Chinese video hosting app maintains a steadfast position that it never shared the user data with the Chinese authorities or spied on any government. Also Read | South African investigator Cloete Murray, who looked into state corruptions, shot dead Meanwhile, as per CapCut's privacy policy, the video editing app collects photos, videos, user's location, gender and date of birth. These are some of the common things that video-editing apps use. But is it safe? Last year, the application was topping the app-stores charts in terms of number of downloads in US standing tall alongside other popular apps like TikTok and online fashion store Shein. Watch | After Iran-Saudi pact, China to play peacemaker in Ukraine war? The app, till last year, did not come with any chargeable fees but it started charging users for cloud storage service and for some of its premium options. The company is also recruiting people for designing templates. CapCut along with several other Chinese apps are banned in India. As per Sensor Tower, CapCut’s global downloads spiked to 43 per cent to over 400 million last year. About 7 per cent of its global downloads since last year came just from United States. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

TikTok’s lesser-known sibling, CapCut, making waves in US. But is it safe?

New Zealand on Friday became&nbsp;the latest entrant to the list of countries that have banned TikTok on all devices with access to its lawmakers amidst rising concerns over national and cybersecurity.

The country’s parliamentarians were informed via e-mail that the Chinese-owned video-sharing app would be blocked from all parliamentary devices at the end of the month, adding that “the service has determined that the risks are not acceptable in the current New Zealand parliament environment”.

“The decision to block the&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;application has been made based on our own analysis and following discussion with our colleagues across government and internationally,” the email reads, according to Guardian.

What are the national security concerns about TikTok?

TikTok is owned by Beijing-based technology giant ByteDance, and boasts of at least a billion users worldwide. It was launched in September 2017 after the Chinese firm purchased Musical.ly—a social app that was growing in popularity in the US—for $1 billion in November 2017, following which the two were merged in August 2018.

In the past three to four years, the app has witnessed&nbsp;a meteoric rise worldwide and is one of the most popular applications in the world.&nbsp;However, its humongous success is accompanied by a fair share of scepticism and concerns over cybersecurity. &nbsp;

The primary concern raised by many countries is that the app could be used to collect sensitive information from users.

China is one of the rare socialist countries that has successfully imbibed capitalist values in its businesses. Many private and tech companies have thrived well in this setup.

However, the fact the state regime has control over every industry has lent&nbsp;credence to the belief that every tech product that comes out of China can be used by the regime to collect information about users.

In the past, TikTok has been accused of “aggressive” data collection, as it collects personal information like users’ name, location, passwords, phone numbers, and&nbsp;even keystroke patterns.

TikTok has, nevertheless, maintained that the data it collects is not shared with the Chinese government and that it&nbsp;operates independently.

But under China’s 2017 National Intelligence Law, companies can be&nbsp;mandated&nbsp;to share information with Beijing.

Which countries have banned TikTok?

As many as nine countries and the European Union have banned the use of TikTok on government devices. These are:

India: The country was one of the first ones to ban TikTok and other Chinese apps in 2020 soon after the Galwan Valley incident, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a confrontation with Chinese troops along the disputed Himalayan border near Ladakh.

In a statement, the government had said the apps were “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order”.

European Union: The European Parliament, the European Commission and the EU Council have all banned its staff members from downloading TikTok on their official phones.

United Kingdom:&nbsp;On Thursday, the United Kingdom said that they are prohibiting the use of the app on government phones with immediate effect.

Cabinet Office minister Oliver Dowden in a statement said that following a review by Britain’s cybersecurity experts it is “clear that there could be a risk around how sensitive government data is accessed and used by certain platforms.”

United States: In March, President the Joe Biden's administration issued an ultimatum to the government agencies that they have 30 days to delete the app from federal devices and systems. It also threatened to ban TikTok across the country if the social media company’s Chinese owners don’t divest their stakes in it, the Guardian reported on Thursday.

Canada: Following the US government’s announcement, Canada also issued similar orders on the use of TikTok, saying that the app presented an “unacceptable” risk to privacy and security.

Belgium: Prime Minister Alexander De Croo on March 10 announced that his government was banning TikTok from government phones over concerns regarding cybersecurity, privacy and misinformation.

We are in a new geopolitical context where influence and surveillance between states have shifted to the digital world,” he said.

“We must not be naive: TikTok is a Chinese company that today is obliged to cooperate with&nbsp;intelligence services. This is the reality. Prohibiting its use on federal service devices is common sense,” he added.

Denmark: On March 6, the Defence Ministry prohibited “the use of the app on official units” after assessing that there was a risk of espionage.

Taiwan: In December 2022, Taiwan not only banned TikTok from its government-related devices but also opened a probe into the social media company on suspicion of illegally operating a subsidiary on the island. The allegation was denied by TikTok.

Pakistan:&nbsp;The authorities of Pakistan have temporarily banned the app across the nation several times since 2020, saying that its content is “immoral” and “obscene”.

Afghanistan:&nbsp;In April 2022, the Taliban dispensation in Afghanistan ordered a ban on the video-sharing app and online game&nbsp;PUBG, claiming they were leading Afghan youths “astray”.

(With inputs from agencies)

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New Zealand on Friday became the latest entrant to the list of countries that have banned TikTok on all devices with access to its lawmakers amidst rising concerns over national and cybersecurity.

New Zealand on Friday became the latest entrant to the list of countries that have banned TikTok on all devices with access to its lawmakers amidst rising concerns over national and cybersecurity. The country’s parliamentarians were informed via e-mail that the Chinese-owned video-sharing app would be blocked from all parliamentary devices at the end of the month, adding that “the service has determined that the risks are not acceptable in the current New Zealand parliament environment”. “The decision to block the TikTok application has been made based on our own analysis and following discussion with our colleagues across government and internationally,” the email reads, according to Guardian. What are the national security concerns about TikTok? TikTok is owned by Beijing-based technology giant ByteDance, and boasts of at least a billion users worldwide. It was launched in September 2017 after the Chinese firm purchased Musical.ly—a social app that was growing in popularity in the US—for $1 billion in November 2017, following which the two were merged in August 2018. In the past three to four years, the app has witnessed a meteoric rise worldwide and is one of the most popular applications in the world. However, its humongous success is accompanied by a fair share of scepticism and concerns over cybersecurity. The primary concern raised by many countries is that the app could be used to collect sensitive information from users. China is one of the rare socialist countries that has successfully imbibed capitalist values in its businesses. Many private and tech companies have thrived well in this setup. However, the fact the state regime has control over every industry has lent credence to the belief that every tech product that comes out of China can be used by the regime to collect information about users. In the past, TikTok has been accused of “aggressive” data collection, as it collects personal information like users’ name, location, passwords, phone numbers, and even keystroke patterns. TikTok has, nevertheless, maintained that the data it collects is not shared with the Chinese government and that it operates independently. But under China’s 2017 National Intelligence Law, companies can be mandated to share information with Beijing. Which countries have banned TikTok? As many as nine countries and the European Union have banned the use of TikTok on government devices. These are: India: The country was one of the first ones to ban TikTok and other Chinese apps in 2020 soon after the Galwan Valley incident, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a confrontation with Chinese troops along the disputed Himalayan border near Ladakh. In a statement, the government had said the apps were “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order”. European Union: The European Parliament, the European Commission and the EU Council have all banned its staff members from downloading TikTok on their official phones. United Kingdom: On Thursday, the United Kingdom said that they are prohibiting the use of the app on government phones with immediate effect. Cabinet Office minister Oliver Dowden in a statement said that following a review by Britain’s cybersecurity experts it is “clear that there could be a risk around how sensitive government data is accessed and used by certain platforms.” United States: In March, President the Joe Biden's administration issued an ultimatum to the government agencies that they have 30 days to delete the app from federal devices and systems. It also threatened to ban TikTok across the country if the social media company’s Chinese owners don’t divest their stakes in it, the Guardian reported on Thursday. Canada: Following the US government’s announcement, Canada also issued similar orders on the use of TikTok, saying that the app presented an “unacceptable” risk to privacy and security. Belgium: Prime Minister Alexander De Croo on March 10 announced that his government was banning TikTok from government phones over concerns regarding cybersecurity, privacy and misinformation. We are in a new geopolitical context where influence and surveillance between states have shifted to the digital world,” he said. “We must not be naive: TikTok is a Chinese company that today is obliged to cooperate with intelligence services. This is the reality. Prohibiting its use on federal service devices is common sense,” he added. Denmark: On March 6, the Defence Ministry prohibited “the use of the app on official units” after assessing that there was a risk of espionage. Taiwan: In December 2022, Taiwan not only banned TikTok from its government-related devices but also opened a probe into the social media company on suspicion of illegally operating a subsidiary on the island. The allegation was denied by TikTok. Pakistan: The authorities of Pakistan have temporarily banned the app across the nation several times since 2020, saying that its content is “immoral” and “obscene”. Afghanistan: In April 2022, the Taliban dispensation in Afghanistan ordered a ban on the video-sharing app and online game PUBG, claiming they were leading Afghan youths “astray”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained: Why are countries banning TikTok?

Citing TikTok as a 'high risk' security concern, the Joe Biden administration in the US has demanded that the Chinese owner of the app sell their stake or risk getting banned, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. The ByteDance-owned platform has been approached by&nbsp;Committee on Foreign Investment in the US or CFIUS and asked for divestment over national security concerns.&nbsp;

The Democrats taking such a stern stance has surprised many. After former president&nbsp;Donald Trump went after TikTok rather aggressively in the last essay of his tenure, the Biden administration took a tepid approach, allowing the matter to play itself out.&nbsp;

However, over the last few months, increased concerns from US officials as well as politicians have forced Biden to tighten the noose.&nbsp;TikTok has more than 100 million users in the US alone and if a sweeping ban is imposed, the Chinese company could be staring at a bleak future.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-banned-on-all-federal-government-devices-in-the-us-548235">ALSO READ |&nbsp;TikTok banned on all federal government devices in the US</a>

"If protecting national security is the objective, divestment doesn't solve the problem: a change in ownership would not impose any new restrictions on data flows or access,"&nbsp;TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter was quoted as saying by Reuters.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The decision comes in the backdrop of the White House coming out in support of a bipartisan legislation to ban TikTok last week. There has been no breakthrough between TikTok and Biden administration despite two years of negotiation over a&nbsp;data security agreement.&nbsp;

CFIUS, in 2020 unanimously recommended that ByteDance divest TikTok.&nbsp;

Last year in December,&nbsp;&nbsp;the Chinese short-video app was banned from all federal government devices across the country. The only exception was for law enforcement and national security agencies who could use the app in special cases for&nbsp;security research purposes.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tiktok-says-disappointed-over-the-ban-in-us-545332">WATCH |&nbsp;TikTok says 'disappointed over the ban' in US</a>

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also warned against data leaks through the app. Director Christopher Wray informed the&nbsp;House panel that potential Chinese government access to users’ data or software through the app is reason to be “extremely concerned”.

During his reign, Trump attempted to ban TikTok but was stopped in the tracks by the US courts.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Citing TikTok as a 'high risk' security concern, the Joe Biden administration in the US has demanded that the Chinese owner of the app sell their stake or risk getting banned, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

Citing TikTok as a 'high risk' security concern, the Joe Biden administration in the US has demanded that the Chinese owner of the app sell their stake or risk getting banned, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. The ByteDance-owned platform has been approached by Committee on Foreign Investment in the US or CFIUS and asked for divestment over national security concerns. The Democrats taking such a stern stance has surprised many. After former president Donald Trump went after TikTok rather aggressively in the last essay of his tenure, the Biden administration took a tepid approach, allowing the matter to play itself out. However, over the last few months, increased concerns from US officials as well as politicians have forced Biden to tighten the noose. TikTok has more than 100 million users in the US alone and if a sweeping ban is imposed, the Chinese company could be staring at a bleak future. ALSO READ | TikTok banned on all federal government devices in the US "If protecting national security is the objective, divestment doesn't solve the problem: a change in ownership would not impose any new restrictions on data flows or access," TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter was quoted as saying by Reuters. The decision comes in the backdrop of the White House coming out in support of a bipartisan legislation to ban TikTok last week. There has been no breakthrough between TikTok and Biden administration despite two years of negotiation over a data security agreement. CFIUS, in 2020 unanimously recommended that ByteDance divest TikTok. Last year in December, the Chinese short-video app was banned from all federal government devices across the country. The only exception was for law enforcement and national security agencies who could use the app in special cases for security research purposes. WATCH | TikTok says 'disappointed over the ban' in US × The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also warned against data leaks through the app. Director Christopher Wray informed the House panel that potential Chinese government access to users’ data or software through the app is reason to be “extremely concerned”. During his reign, Trump attempted to ban TikTok but was stopped in the tracks by the US courts. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Biden administration pressures TikTok's Chinese owners to sell stakes, threatens complete ban

Popular video-sharing platform TikTok is reportedly considering separation from parent company ByteDance. As per Bloomberg, the reason behind this probable split stems from concerns voiced by the United States over the app and the alleged national security risks it poses.

Citing people familiar with the matter, the publication reports that a "divestiture" is considered a last resort and will only be pursued if the company's existing proposal with US national security officials is not approved. A divestiture can lead to a sale or an initial public offering (IPO).

Watch |&nbsp;Rishi Sunak hints at TikTok ban from UK government devices

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The short video format mobile app is currently under scrutiny. It is undergoing a national security review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

Last year, in an attempt to placate hostile lawmakers, TikTok even agreed to the implementation of a number of plans nicknamed "Project Texas".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uae-spymaster-purchases-100-million-stake-in-tiktok-maker-bytedance-company-valuation-at-220-billion-572240">UAE spymaster purchases $100 million stake in TikTok maker ByteDance; company valuation at $220 billion</a>

CFIUS has, however, left TikTok unsure about its future in America. CFIUS members have allegedly been unwilling to accept TikTok's proposal.

The agency has reportedly stalled in its process, leaving the app in a lurch, unsure about whether its attempts will be enough to ensure the continuation of TikTok's operations in the US.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-mulling-over-tiktok-ban-on-government-devices-over-data-security-concerns-571913">After India and US, UK mulls TikTok ban on govt devices over data security concerns linked to China</a>

CFIUS and TikTok have been holding negotiations ever since, with the app claiming it has already spent more than $1.5 billion on rigorous data security efforts.

National security body CFIUS had recommended that ByteDance divest TikTok back in 2020. The app has increasingly come under fire over fears that undermining Western security interests user data can end up in the Chinese government's hands. TikTok, however, rejects the spying allegations.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Popular video-sharing platform TikTok is reportedly considering separation from parent company ByteDance. As per Bloomberg, the reason behind this probable split stems from concerns voiced by the United States over the app and the alleged national security risks it poses.

Popular video-sharing platform TikTok is reportedly considering separation from parent company ByteDance. As per Bloomberg, the reason behind this probable split stems from concerns voiced by the United States over the app and the alleged national security risks it poses. Citing people familiar with the matter, the publication reports that a "divestiture" is considered a last resort and will only be pursued if the company's existing proposal with US national security officials is not approved. A divestiture can lead to a sale or an initial public offering (IPO). Watch | Rishi Sunak hints at TikTok ban from UK government devices The short video format mobile app is currently under scrutiny. It is undergoing a national security review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Last year, in an attempt to placate hostile lawmakers, TikTok even agreed to the implementation of a number of plans nicknamed "Project Texas". Also read | UAE spymaster purchases $100 million stake in TikTok maker ByteDance; company valuation at $220 billion CFIUS has, however, left TikTok unsure about its future in America. CFIUS members have allegedly been unwilling to accept TikTok's proposal. The agency has reportedly stalled in its process, leaving the app in a lurch, unsure about whether its attempts will be enough to ensure the continuation of TikTok's operations in the US. Also read | After India and US, UK mulls TikTok ban on govt devices over data security concerns linked to China CFIUS and TikTok have been holding negotiations ever since, with the app claiming it has already spent more than $1.5 billion on rigorous data security efforts. National security body CFIUS had recommended that ByteDance divest TikTok back in 2020. The app has increasingly come under fire over fears that undermining Western security interests user data can end up in the Chinese government's hands. TikTok, however, rejects the spying allegations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

TikTok mulls separation from parent company ByteDance if US officials don’t approve proposal

United Arab Emirates spy chief, royal Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan has purchased a more than $100 million stake in ByteDance Ltd., the parent company behind the popular video platform TikTok, says a Bloomberg report.&nbsp;

In recent months, Abu Dhabi-based AI firm G42, a technology group controlled by the UAE royal, reportedly acquired the $100 million-plus stake from existing investors through its 42XFund.

Watch |&nbsp;Rishi Sunak hints at TikTok ban from UK government devices

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At the recent private-market investment, G42 valued ByteDance at around $220 billion.

Bloomberg reports that this valuation in the G42 transaction "doesn’t yet reflect potential after-effects of the Silicon Valley Bank implosion, which stunned startups from the US to China and has raised concerns about broader systemic risks".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-mulling-over-tiktok-ban-on-government-devices-over-data-security-concerns-571913">After India and US, UK mulls TikTok ban on govt devices over data security concerns linked to China</a>

The investment is reportedly "well off the peak" of the $460 billion valuation at which Tiger Global Management had purchased shares in 2021.

Another fund also bought into the company at $225 billion shortly after, reports Bloomberg quoting anonymous sources.

The recent spate of uncertainty around the app in Washington and elsewhere could be behind the Chinese firm's turbulent price tag. Recently, in the US, lawmakers accused the app of being a national security threat.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-follows-footsteps-of-us-and-eu-bans-tiktok-from-government-phones-570744">Belgium follows footsteps of US and EU, bans TikTok from government phones</a>

Following this, Washington banned the app from government devices. The European Union and Canada have also followed suit, while India had banned the app earlier.&nbsp;

Sheikh Tahnoon, often referred to as UAE's spymaster, has reportedly built a portfolio through G42. His portfolio consists of everything from cloud computing to vaccines and driverless cars. 42XFund via which the recent ByteDance investment was made was set up last year. The $10 Billion fund invests in technology companies across emerging markets.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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United Arab Emirates spy chief, royal Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan has purchased a more than $100 million stake in ByteDance Ltd., the parent company behind the popular video platform TikTok, says a Bloomberg report.

United Arab Emirates spy chief, royal Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan has purchased a more than $100 million stake in ByteDance Ltd., the parent company behind the popular video platform TikTok, says a Bloomberg report. In recent months, Abu Dhabi-based AI firm G42, a technology group controlled by the UAE royal, reportedly acquired the $100 million-plus stake from existing investors through its 42XFund. Watch | Rishi Sunak hints at TikTok ban from UK government devices At the recent private-market investment, G42 valued ByteDance at around $220 billion. Bloomberg reports that this valuation in the G42 transaction "doesn’t yet reflect potential after-effects of the Silicon Valley Bank implosion, which stunned startups from the US to China and has raised concerns about broader systemic risks". Also read | After India and US, UK mulls TikTok ban on govt devices over data security concerns linked to China The investment is reportedly "well off the peak" of the $460 billion valuation at which Tiger Global Management had purchased shares in 2021. Another fund also bought into the company at $225 billion shortly after, reports Bloomberg quoting anonymous sources. The recent spate of uncertainty around the app in Washington and elsewhere could be behind the Chinese firm's turbulent price tag. Recently, in the US, lawmakers accused the app of being a national security threat. Also read | Belgium follows footsteps of US and EU, bans TikTok from government phones Following this, Washington banned the app from government devices. The European Union and Canada have also followed suit, while India had banned the app earlier. Sheikh Tahnoon, often referred to as UAE's spymaster, has reportedly built a portfolio through G42. His portfolio consists of everything from cloud computing to vaccines and driverless cars. 42XFund via which the recent ByteDance investment was made was set up last year. The $10 Billion fund invests in technology companies across emerging markets. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UAE spymaster purchases $100 million stake in TikTok maker ByteDance; company valuation at $220bn

Canada is launching an investigation on federal as well as provincial level into short-video sharing platform TikTok. The joint investigation has been launched over concerns about the Chinese-owned platform's collection, use and disclosure of personal information of users.

Privacy Commissioner of Canada said in a statement that the federal privacy regulator and provincial regulators in Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia will investigate whether TikTok complies with Canadian privacy laws or not.

They will focus on examining "whether valid and meaningful consent is being obtained for the collection, use and disclosure of personal information," according to the statement.

A spokesperson for TikTok said the privacy and safety of users "is always a top priority" and the probe was an opportunity to "set the record straight" on how the company protects the privacy of Canadians. The spokesperson was quoted by Reuters.

TikTok is being scrutinised by agencies and governments around the world due to concerns that China may misuse the app users' data. China denies such allegations. ByteDance, a Chinese company, owns TikTok.

The European Union's two biggest policy-making institutions have banned TikTok from staff phones, while the U.S. Senate in December passed a bill to bar federal employees from using the app on government-owned devices.

The investigation also adds another potential thorn in Sino-Canadian relations which have been tense for various reasons, including recent accusations by Ottawa that China has tried to influence its elections and that it has been running air and maritime surveillance activities.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Canada is launching an investigation on federal as well as provincial level into short-video sharing platform TikTok. The joint investigation has been launched over concerns about the Chinese-owned platform's collection, use and disclosure of personal information of users.

Canada is launching an investigation on federal as well as provincial level into short-video sharing platform TikTok. The joint investigation has been launched over concerns about the Chinese-owned platform's collection, use and disclosure of personal information of users. Privacy Commissioner of Canada said in a statement that the federal privacy regulator and provincial regulators in Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia will investigate whether TikTok complies with Canadian privacy laws or not. They will focus on examining "whether valid and meaningful consent is being obtained for the collection, use and disclosure of personal information," according to the statement. A spokesperson for TikTok said the privacy and safety of users "is always a top priority" and the probe was an opportunity to "set the record straight" on how the company protects the privacy of Canadians. The spokesperson was quoted by Reuters. TikTok is being scrutinised by agencies and governments around the world due to concerns that China may misuse the app users' data. China denies such allegations. ByteDance, a Chinese company, owns TikTok. The European Union's two biggest policy-making institutions have banned TikTok from staff phones, while the U.S. Senate in December passed a bill to bar federal employees from using the app on government-owned devices. The investigation also adds another potential thorn in Sino-Canadian relations which have been tense for various reasons, including recent accusations by Ottawa that China has tried to influence its elections and that it has been running air and maritime surveillance activities. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Canada: TikTok under scanner as privacy regulators launch investigation

TikTok, a famous Chinese video-sharing app, has a "heating" button which allows some hand-picked videos to "achieve a certain number of video views", Forbes reported after reviewing internal documents and communications.&nbsp;

The media outlet said that sources and documents have revealed that the "heating" button is a manual push which is used by the staff at TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance.&nbsp;

Besides the algorithm that personalises a user's feed, the staff is also selecting specific videos secretly and eventually supercharging their distribution. This practice is known internally as "heating".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-reveals-the-relationship-between-antidepressants-and-emotional-blunting-555088">Study reveals the relationship between antidepressants and 'emotional blunting'</a>&nbsp;

As cited by the media outlet, an internal TikTok document titled MINT Heating Playbook mentions: "The heating feature refers to boosting videos into the For You feed through operation intervention to achieve a certain number of video views."&nbsp;

"The total video views of heated videos accounts for a large portion of the daily total video views, around 1-2%, which can have a significant impact on overall core metrics," the document further added.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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It is a known fact that tech companies follow the practice of amplifying specific posts to their users, but they label them as promoted content. But in the case of TikTok, the so-called "heating" was never made public. In case the secret practice is true, it can be termed as anti-competitive.&nbsp;

Forbes also mentioned that the process of heating has been used by TikTok to increase views of particular videos and lure influencers and brands to form a partnership.&nbsp;

This shows the company could be benefiting some users, but also being unfair to others.&nbsp;

As quoted by &nbsp; Forbes, Evelyn Douek, a professor at Stanford Law School and Senior Research Fellow at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, said: "We think of social media as being very democratizing and giving everyone the same opportunity to reach an audience."&nbsp;

Douek also cautioned that "to some degree, the same old power structures are replicating in social media as well, where the platform can decide winners and losers to some degree, and commercial and other kinds of partnerships take advantage."&nbsp;

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TikTok, a famous Chinese video-sharing app, has a "heating" button which allows some hand-picked videos to "achieve a certain number of video views", Forbes reported after reviewing internal documents and communications.

TikTok, a famous Chinese video-sharing app, has a "heating" button which allows some hand-picked videos to "achieve a certain number of video views", Forbes reported after reviewing internal documents and communications. The media outlet said that sources and documents have revealed that the "heating" button is a manual push which is used by the staff at TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance. Besides the algorithm that personalises a user's feed, the staff is also selecting specific videos secretly and eventually supercharging their distribution. This practice is known internally as "heating". ALSO READ | Study reveals the relationship between antidepressants and 'emotional blunting' As cited by the media outlet, an internal TikTok document titled MINT Heating Playbook mentions: "The heating feature refers to boosting videos into the For You feed through operation intervention to achieve a certain number of video views." "The total video views of heated videos accounts for a large portion of the daily total video views, around 1-2%, which can have a significant impact on overall core metrics," the document further added. Watch this report: × ALSO READ | In a first, scientists use car-sized laser to divert lightning strikes It is a known fact that tech companies follow the practice of amplifying specific posts to their users, but they label them as promoted content. But in the case of TikTok, the so-called "heating" was never made public. In case the secret practice is true, it can be termed as anti-competitive. Forbes also mentioned that the process of heating has been used by TikTok to increase views of particular videos and lure influencers and brands to form a partnership. This shows the company could be benefiting some users, but also being unfair to others. As quoted by Forbes, Evelyn Douek, a professor at Stanford Law School and Senior Research Fellow at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, said: "We think of social media as being very democratizing and giving everyone the same opportunity to reach an audience." Douek also cautioned that "to some degree, the same old power structures are replicating in social media as well, where the platform can decide winners and losers to some degree, and commercial and other kinds of partnerships take advantage." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Is TikTok using 'Heating' button to secretly boost particular videos and promote content?

According to a new report from Forbes, TikTok and ByteDance can boost videos to get them onto more feeds, which means that the viral videos on the TikTok For You page are not just there because of the algorithm. There is also a possibility that videos that we see on TikTok as "viral" might not be actually trending earlier but made to trend by showing them continuously on your feed.&nbsp;

Six current and former TikTok and ByteDance employees told Forbes that the social media platform and its parent company can use a feature called "heating" to choose which videos go viral.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-netherlands-wants-to-close-europes-largest-gasfield-groningen-554996">Why Netherlands wants to close Europe's largest gasfield, Groningen?</a>

"The heating feature refers to boosting videos into the For You feed through operation intervention to achieve a certain number of video views. The total video views of heated videos account for a large portion of the daily total video views, around 1-2%, which can have a significant impact on overall core metrics", says the MINT Heating Playbook, an internal TikTok document reviewed by Forbes.

Unlike ads and sponsored content on TikTok, heated content isn't labelled as "heated" or anything like that.

According to the TikTok spokesperson, it is expanding its "why this video" feature to provide more specificity and transparency around recommended content.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;TikTok in the US: TikTok's attempts to reassure government, security concerns surrounding the app

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"We promote some videos to help diversify the content experience and introduce celebrities and emerging creators to the TikTok community," a TikTok spokesperson said in a statement to Insider. "Only a few people, based in the US, have the ability to approve content for promotion in the US, and that content makes up approximately .002% of videos in For You feeds".&nbsp;

According to three sources and internal documents reviewed by Forbes, some employees abused the heating feature by boosting their personal accounts or the accounts of people they know, which is against the company policy.

TikTok and ByteDance employees could use the heating feature to "attract influencers," "promote diverse content," "push important information," and promote "relevant videos that were missed by the recommendations algorithms," as well, according to another document reviewed by Forbes. Two sources of Forbes told the publication that employees could decide on their own what content fits the guidelines.

As the company faces pressure from officials concerned that the app could be used as a tool for the Chinese government, ByteDance has faced increasing criticism in the past as well for giving access to its employees.

TikTok is currently blocked on government devices in at least 27 states in the US, as security concerns about the Chinese-owned app grow.

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According to a new report from Forbes, TikTok and ByteDance can boost videos to get them onto more feeds, which means that the viral videos on the TikTok For You page are not just there because of the algorithm.

According to a new report from Forbes, TikTok and ByteDance can boost videos to get them onto more feeds, which means that the viral videos on the TikTok For You page are not just there because of the algorithm. There is also a possibility that videos that we see on TikTok as "viral" might not be actually trending earlier but made to trend by showing them continuously on your feed. Six current and former TikTok and ByteDance employees told Forbes that the social media platform and its parent company can use a feature called "heating" to choose which videos go viral. Also Read | Why Netherlands wants to close Europe's largest gasfield, Groningen? "The heating feature refers to boosting videos into the For You feed through operation intervention to achieve a certain number of video views. The total video views of heated videos account for a large portion of the daily total video views, around 1-2%, which can have a significant impact on overall core metrics", says the MINT Heating Playbook, an internal TikTok document reviewed by Forbes. Unlike ads and sponsored content on TikTok, heated content isn't labelled as "heated" or anything like that. According to the TikTok spokesperson, it is expanding its "why this video" feature to provide more specificity and transparency around recommended content. Watch | TikTok in the US: TikTok's attempts to reassure government, security concerns surrounding the app × "We promote some videos to help diversify the content experience and introduce celebrities and emerging creators to the TikTok community," a TikTok spokesperson said in a statement to Insider. "Only a few people, based in the US, have the ability to approve content for promotion in the US, and that content makes up approximately .002% of videos in For You feeds". According to three sources and internal documents reviewed by Forbes, some employees abused the heating feature by boosting their personal accounts or the accounts of people they know, which is against the company policy. TikTok and ByteDance employees could use the heating feature to "attract influencers," "promote diverse content," "push important information," and promote "relevant videos that were missed by the recommendations algorithms," as well, according to another document reviewed by Forbes. Two sources of Forbes told the publication that employees could decide on their own what content fits the guidelines. As the company faces pressure from officials concerned that the app could be used as a tool for the Chinese government, ByteDance has faced increasing criticism in the past as well for giving access to its employees. TikTok is currently blocked on government devices in at least 27 states in the US, as security concerns about the Chinese-owned app grow. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At TikTok's mercy! Staff can pick which video goes viral using a secret 'heating' button

Citing shortcomings related to the handling of 'cookies', France on Thursday levied a fine of $5.4 million on the Chinese short-video app TikTok. Commission Nationale Informatique & Libertés (CNIL), the French data protection agency, said users were not allowed to refuse cookies as easily as they accept them.

Citing shortcomings related to the handling of 'cookies', France on Thursday levied a fine of $5.4 million on the Chinese short-video app TikTok. Commission Nationale Informatique & Libertés (CNIL), the French data protection agency, said users were not allowed to refuse cookies as easily as they accept them. Secondly, they were not informed of the purpose of different cookies. The watchdog informed its tests during the investigation only pertained to TikTok's website, not the more heavily used smartphone application. "Between May 2020 and June 2022, the CNIL carried out several online control missions on the “tiktok.com” website and on documents, that is to say on the basis of documents requested from the company by the CNIL." WATCH | TikTok says 'disappointed over the ban' in US × CNIL said the company was found in breach of the Article 82 of the Data Protection Act for not having proper measures in place for accepting and refusing 'cookies'. "During the check carried out in June 2021, the CNIL noted that while the companies TikTok United Kingdom and TikTok Ireland did offer a button allowing cookies to be accepted immediately, they did not put in place an equivalent solution (button or other) to allow the Internet user to refuse their deposit just as easily." ℹ️🔴 La CNIL prononce une #sanction de 5 millions d'euros à l'encontre du réseau social TIKTOK 👉 https://t.co/wMvFsykEQc pic.twitter.com/F0j1Th0VwA — CNIL (@CNIL) January 12, 2023 × The decision by the French watchdog comes barely a day after TikTok chief executive Shou Zi Chew met EU vice presidents Margrethe Vestager and Vera Jourova and received a dressing down from them. "I count on TikTok to fully execute its commitments to go the extra mile in respecting EU law and regaining trust of European regulators," said Jourova after the meeting. "There cannot be any doubt that data of users in Europe are safe and not exposed to illegal access from third-country authorities," she added. Notably, in November last year, the ByteDance-owned company admitted that some of its staff in China had access to the data of European users. Read more: TikTok tells its European users its employees in China, other continents can access their data The company is already facing music from the Irish privacy regulators for allegedly violating the EU's data protection law, the GDPR. Meanwhile, the US government has already banned the usage and download of the app from all federal government devices, barring a few exceptions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

TikTok fined $5.4 million by France for 'cookies' related issues

China's ByteDance is using data from TikTok to track journalists and this is now raising eyebrows. There is growing fears that security concerns over TikTok might actually be true. The Chinese ByteDance wants to know which of its employees are speaking to the media.

TikTok user data row: ByteDance uses data to track journalists, gains data over insider info leak

Republican leader and South Dakota governor Kristi Noem on Tuesday issued an executive order banning the use of Chinese TikTok by state employees and contractors on government gadgets, citing the short video app's ties to Beijing.

Republican leader and South Dakota governor Kristi Noem on Tuesday issued an executive order banning the use of Chinese TikTok by state employees and contractors on government gadgets, citing the short video app's ties to Beijing. “South Dakota will have no part in the intelligence gathering operations of nations who hate us," said Noem in a statement posted on Twitter. "The Chinese Communist Party uses information that it gathers on TikTok to manipulate the American people, and they gather data off the devices that access the platform." Noem added that the order which goes into effect immediately "prohibits downloading or using the TikTok application or visiting the website on state-owned or state-leased electronic devices capable of internet connectivity". South Dakota is banning TikTok for state government. We will have no part in intelligence gathering for China, a nation that hates America. I hope other states quickly follow this example and protect the vital private information of our citizens. pic.twitter.com/rJ2H2k0Rlk — Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) November 29, 2022 × TikTok did not immediately respond to Noem's order or the ban imposed. Notably, the GOP leaders, in recent weeks have increased the pressure on TikTok and its owner ByteDance to come clean regarding its data-sharing policies. WATCH | US: Senators call TikTok a 'massive surveillance tool; Is TikTok spying on you for China? × Last week, Republican lawmakers Cathy McMorris Rodgers and James Comer wrote a letter criticising ByteDance saying the Chinese company may have misled Congress about how much data it shares with China. Both Rodgers and Comer are expected to set the House agenda next year after Republicans won the lower chamber in the just-concluded midterm elections. Read more: Republicans target TikTok for sharing users’ data with China, likely to unleash probe Previously, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also warned against data leaks through the app. Director Christopher Wray told a House panel that potential Chinese government access to users’ data or software through the app is reason to be “extremely concerned”. Wray added that ByteDance embeds specific application programming interfaces (APIs) in the app which gives Beijing access to “control data collection of millions of users or control the recommendation algorithm". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Wary of China, US state of South Dakota bans TikTok on state-owned devices

Republican lawmakers Cathy McMorris Rodgers and James Comer piled pressure on the Chinese short video app TikTok and its owner ByteDance on Tuesday by saying the company may have misled the Congress about how much data it shares with China.

Republican lawmakers Cathy McMorris Rodgers and James Comer piled pressure on the Chinese short video app TikTok and its owner ByteDance on Tuesday by saying the company may have misled the Congress about how much data it shares with China. "Some of the information TikTok provided during the staff briefing appears to be untrue or misleading, including that TikTok does not track US user locations," said the Republican duo in a letter to TikTok Chief Executive Shou Zi Chew. Both Rodgers and Comer are expected to set the House agenda next year after Republicans won the lower chamber in the just-concluded midterm elections. WATCH | US: Senators call TikTok a 'massive surveillance tool; Is TikTok spying on you for China? × When the Republicans formally take over the House in January, they are expected to unleash a slew of investigations ranging from Hunter Biden's laptop story to TikTok and its data policies. The ByteDance-owned app was targetted much more aggressively under former president Donald Trump's tenure and the Republicans are seemingly looking to revert to the same strategy. Earlier this month, the FBI also warned against data leaks through the app, with Director Christopher Wray telling a House panel that potential Chinese government access to users’ data or software is reason to be “extremely concerned”. Wray added that ByteDance embeds specific application programming interfaces (APIs) in the app which gives Beijing access to “control data collection of millions of users or control the recommendation algorithm, which can be used for influence operations, or to control software on millions of devices, which gives the opportunity to potentially technically compromise personal devices.” Read more: FBI director says TikTok poses ‘national security threat’, gives Beijing access to data, devices Afterwards, two US senators called TikTok a Chinese surveillance tool. “It’s not just the content you upload to TikTok but all the data on your phone, other apps, all your personal information, even facial imagery, even where your eyes are looking on your phone,” said Arkansas Republican Tom Cotton. Meanwhile, Senate Intelligence Committee chair Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said the app posed “an enormous threat" while adding, “All of that data that your child is inputting and receiving, is being stored somewhere in Beijing.” The Biden administration is not in favour of inflicting a complete ban on the app like India. However, with pressure mounting from all sides and TikTok not being able to plead its case immaculately, the White House may have to rethink its strategy. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Republicans target TikTok for sharing users’ data with China, likely to unleash probe

A recent report published in Forbes alleged that TikTok and its parent company ByteDance, wanted to use the app to monitor the location of some specific US citizens. TikTok hit back at Forbes and said that it does not collect precise GPS location information from its users.

Forbes accuses TikTok of tracking specific US citizens, latter denies

Social media giant Tik Tok's parent company has yet again made the headlines.

A Forbes report on Thursday stated that Bytedance, the Chinese firm that owns TikTok, intends to utilise the app to track locations, especially of Americans.&nbsp;

According to Forbes, ByteDance's International and Risk Control department plans to utilise TikTok to track down at least two Americans who had never worked for the company.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tiktok-raises-minimum-age-for-live-streaming-on-platform-from-16-to-18-years-527130">Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;TikTok raises minimum age for live streaming on platform from 16 to 18 years</a>

Forbes didn't disclose the reason behind the monitoring. The reports are anticipated to cause controversy as TikTok is generally in talks due to privacy and security reasons.

However, TikTok's spokesman stated that location data is gathered along with other things to assist show relevant information and adverts to users, complying with applicable changes and detecting any fraud and inauthentic conduct is there.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-take-upto-760-of-donations-displaced-families-in-syria-camps-beg-for-report-524718">Also read |&nbsp;TikTok takes 70% of profits from videos of families begging in Syria refugee camps: Report</a>

Forbes contradicted this, and said, that the Internal Audit team didn't want to utilise the data for ad-targeting purposes, but rather to monitor specific Americans in the US.&nbsp;

The app has been targeted by both Trump's administration and Biden's administration. During the Trump era, he vowed to ban the app if it fails to find a US buyer.&nbsp;

Later, the Biden administration proposed new regulations that would give the US govt control over applications over the potential threats to the national security of the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Social media giant Tik Tok's parent company has yet again made the headlines. A Forbes report on Thursday stated that Bytedance, the Chinese firm that owns TikTok, intends to utilise the app to track locations, especially of Americans.

Social media giant Tik Tok's parent company has yet again made the headlines. A Forbes report on Thursday stated that Bytedance, the Chinese firm that owns TikTok, intends to utilise the app to track locations, especially of Americans. According to Forbes, ByteDance's International and Risk Control department plans to utilise TikTok to track down at least two Americans who had never worked for the company. Also read | TikTok raises minimum age for live streaming on platform from 16 to 18 years Forbes didn't disclose the reason behind the monitoring. The reports are anticipated to cause controversy as TikTok is generally in talks due to privacy and security reasons. However, TikTok's spokesman stated that location data is gathered along with other things to assist show relevant information and adverts to users, complying with applicable changes and detecting any fraud and inauthentic conduct is there. Also read | TikTok takes 70% of profits from videos of families begging in Syria refugee camps: Report Forbes contradicted this, and said, that the Internal Audit team didn't want to utilise the data for ad-targeting purposes, but rather to monitor specific Americans in the US. The app has been targeted by both Trump's administration and Biden's administration. During the Trump era, he vowed to ban the app if it fails to find a US buyer. Later, the Biden administration proposed new regulations that would give the US govt control over applications over the potential threats to the national security of the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

ByteDance intends to use TikTok to monitor Americans' location, claims report

Sources familiar with TikTok's parent company&nbsp;ByteDance confirmed that the firm has recently begun talks with other music apps and platforms to expand its streaming service worldwide to compete with music industry leaders like Spotify.&nbsp;

ByteDance recently introduced 'Resso,' a music service that is currently available in Asia (India, Indonesia) and Brazil as well. The company is aiming to extend its streaming worldwide and to make it easier for customers to stream on the short-video app, TikTok. The United States won't be a part of this, The Wall Street Journal reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-take-upto-760-of-donations-displaced-families-in-syria-camps-beg-for-report-524718">Also read |&nbsp;TikTok takes 70% of profits from videos of families begging in Syria refugee camps: Report</a>

The parent company is currently negotiating with a rising music industry service.&nbsp;

The short-video app has helped several songs become megahits by going viral. The audience on the social media platform increased tremendously during the Covid lockdown.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-all-you-need-to-know-about-latest-tiktok-trend-skin-cycling-524341/amp">Also read |&nbsp;All you need to know about latest TikTok trend Skin Cycling</a>

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To expand its service, the Chinese streaming app needs to reach an agreement on negotiating terms with all major music labels as revenue through Resso has been a matter of concern as it is difficult to make money through it.

Resso offers both an on-demand subscription tier and a free, ad-supported tier, much like Spotify's "freemium." Currently, it appears that the company will have to work for its expansion.&nbsp;It is also working on how to work with TikTok to expand its services and earn money.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Sources familiar with TikTok's parent company ByteDance confirmed that the firm has recently begun talks with other music apps and platforms to expand its streaming service worldwide to compete with music industry leaders like Spotify.

Sources familiar with TikTok's parent company ByteDance confirmed that the firm has recently begun talks with other music apps and platforms to expand its streaming service worldwide to compete with music industry leaders like Spotify. ByteDance recently introduced 'Resso,' a music service that is currently available in Asia (India, Indonesia) and Brazil as well. The company is aiming to extend its streaming worldwide and to make it easier for customers to stream on the short-video app, TikTok. The United States won't be a part of this, The Wall Street Journal reported. Also read | TikTok takes 70% of profits from videos of families begging in Syria refugee camps: Report The parent company is currently negotiating with a rising music industry service. The short-video app has helped several songs become megahits by going viral. The audience on the social media platform increased tremendously during the Covid lockdown. Also read | All you need to know about latest TikTok trend Skin Cycling To expand its service, the Chinese streaming app needs to reach an agreement on negotiating terms with all major music labels as revenue through Resso has been a matter of concern as it is difficult to make money through it. Resso offers both an on-demand subscription tier and a free, ad-supported tier, much like Spotify's "freemium." Currently, it appears that the company will have to work for its expansion. It is also working on how to work with TikTok to expand its services and earn money. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

TikTok's parent company ByteDance plans to expand its music services globally

The operating losses at ByteDance, the Beijing-based parent company of the hugely popular video-sharing website <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-fines-tiktok-for-violating-russian-laws-on-lgbt-propaganda-522328">TikTok</a>, more than tripled to more than $7 billion last year, according to a financial report sent to staff, the Wall Street Journal reported today.

The losses were generated as one of China's most prosperous international companies paid to maintain its expansion, the newspaper reported. According to the article, one of the most valuable startups in the world, ByteDance, declared an operating profit in the first quarter of 2022, "showing one of the world's most valuable companies could be turning a corner after years of incurring massive losses."

However, "tens of billions of dollars in unrealized market losses on convertible instruments" have hurt ByteDance's financial performance, according to the Journal. The shared financial reports included the 2019 and 2020&nbsp;as well as the first quarter of 2022, according to the newspaper.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secret-service-allegedly-covered-up-a-car-accident-involving-kamala-harris-522982">US: Secret Service allegedly covered up a car accident involving VP Kamala Harris</a>

The 2012-founded, privately held ByteDance, best known in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-may-be-evading-us-sanctions-through-a-small-start-up-report-523079">China</a> for its Douyin short-video website, has made a major investment in the virtual reality startup Pico. (This is a linked post.) According to the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List as of right now, ByteDance's principal creator Zhang Yiming is projected to be worth $49 billion. The estimated net worth of CEO Liang Rubo is $2.3 billion. Additionally, funds connected to Sequoia Capital China, Softbank, Coatue, General Atlantic, and Source Code Capital are shareholders in ByteDance.

Reuters reported last month that ByteDance will spend up to $3 billion to repurchase shares at a price that values the business at about $300 billion, citing a corporate note to investors. According to a source with firsthand knowledge of the strategy who spoke to Reuters, the acquisitions were primarily made to assist particular shareholders in increasing their liquidity.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The operating losses at ByteDance, the Beijing-based parent company of the hugely popular video-sharing website TikTok, more than tripled to more than $7 billion last year, according to a financial report sent to staff, the Wall Street Journal reported today.

The operating losses at ByteDance, the Beijing-based parent company of the hugely popular video-sharing website TikTok, more than tripled to more than $7 billion last year, according to a financial report sent to staff, the Wall Street Journal reported today. The losses were generated as one of China's most prosperous international companies paid to maintain its expansion, the newspaper reported. According to the article, one of the most valuable startups in the world, ByteDance, declared an operating profit in the first quarter of 2022, "showing one of the world's most valuable companies could be turning a corner after years of incurring massive losses." However, "tens of billions of dollars in unrealized market losses on convertible instruments" have hurt ByteDance's financial performance, according to the Journal. The shared financial reports included the 2019 and 2020 as well as the first quarter of 2022, according to the newspaper. Also read | US: Secret Service allegedly covered up a car accident involving VP Kamala Harris The 2012-founded, privately held ByteDance, best known in China for its Douyin short-video website, has made a major investment in the virtual reality startup Pico. (This is a linked post.) According to the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List as of right now, ByteDance's principal creator Zhang Yiming is projected to be worth $49 billion. The estimated net worth of CEO Liang Rubo is $2.3 billion. Additionally, funds connected to Sequoia Capital China, Softbank, Coatue, General Atlantic, and Source Code Capital are shareholders in ByteDance. Reuters reported last month that ByteDance will spend up to $3 billion to repurchase shares at a price that values the business at about $300 billion, citing a corporate note to investors. According to a source with firsthand knowledge of the strategy who spoke to Reuters, the acquisitions were primarily made to assist particular shareholders in increasing their liquidity. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Report: Operating loss at TikTok parent ByteDance topped $7 billion last year

From Tencent Holdings Ltd. to ByteDance Ltd., China's internet behemoths have revealed details of their treasured algorithms to Beijing for the first time, an extraordinary move aimed at curtailing data misuse that may jeopardise highly guarded company secrets.

The internet watchdog issued a report on Friday listing 30 algorithms used by companies such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Meituan to collect data on users, make personal recommendations, and offer up content. While the public list did not expose the actual code, it remained unclear how much information internet companies may have supplied to authorities in private.

Many online businesses believe the algorithms that determine which TikTok videos, WeChat posts, and Instagram photographs users see to be the secret sauce, important in catching user attention and driving development.&nbsp;

China implemented legislation in March requiring internet businesses to disclose such tools, in an effort to address complaints about data exploitation while also assisting regulators in keeping internet corporations on a leash.

Algorithms in the IT sector are carefully guarded and have been at the centre of political issues all around the world.&nbsp;

That disclosure requirement distinguishes China from countries such as the United States, where companies such as Meta Platforms Inc. and Alphabet Inc. have successfully argued that algorithms are trade secrets, even as lawmakers and activists seek to better understand how they curate content and manage data.

The Chinese Cyberspace Administration now demands just basic information from corporations, but it may seek additional specifics to investigate complaints of data abuses, according to Zhai. According to Ding Mengdan, a lawyer at Beijing Yingke law firm's Hangzhou branch, the publication of the list indicates that the implementation process is proceeding successfully.

China has tightened laws to limit the once-unchecked growth of the country's digital behemoths. Last year, the government passed the Personal Information Protection Law and the Data Security Law, which established stricter guidelines for how businesses manage user data.

The list of algorithms available for public review is limited to brief descriptions of how they work as well as the products and use cases to which they apply. ByteDance, for example, claims that their algorithm uses a user's likes and dislikes to promote content on applications such as Douyin, TikTok's Chinese cousin. According to Meituan, its algorithms assist in dispatching food orders to riders in the most effective manner depending on their downtime and delivery route.

According to the laws, companies must also give non-public information to the CAC, including a self-assessment of the algorithms' security, the data they gather, if any sensitive biometric or identity information is included, and what data sources are utilised to train algorithms.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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From Tencent Holdings Ltd. to ByteDance Ltd., China's internet behemoths have revealed details of their treasured algorithms to Beijing for the first time, an extraordinary move aimed at curtailing data misuse that may jeopardise highly guarded company secrets.

From Tencent Holdings Ltd. to ByteDance Ltd., China's internet behemoths have revealed details of their treasured algorithms to Beijing for the first time, an extraordinary move aimed at curtailing data misuse that may jeopardise highly guarded company secrets. The internet watchdog issued a report on Friday listing 30 algorithms used by companies such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Meituan to collect data on users, make personal recommendations, and offer up content. While the public list did not expose the actual code, it remained unclear how much information internet companies may have supplied to authorities in private. Many online businesses believe the algorithms that determine which TikTok videos, WeChat posts, and Instagram photographs users see to be the secret sauce, important in catching user attention and driving development. China implemented legislation in March requiring internet businesses to disclose such tools, in an effort to address complaints about data exploitation while also assisting regulators in keeping internet corporations on a leash. Algorithms in the IT sector are carefully guarded and have been at the centre of political issues all around the world. That disclosure requirement distinguishes China from countries such as the United States, where companies such as Meta Platforms Inc. and Alphabet Inc. have successfully argued that algorithms are trade secrets, even as lawmakers and activists seek to better understand how they curate content and manage data. The Chinese Cyberspace Administration now demands just basic information from corporations, but it may seek additional specifics to investigate complaints of data abuses, according to Zhai. According to Ding Mengdan, a lawyer at Beijing Yingke law firm's Hangzhou branch, the publication of the list indicates that the implementation process is proceeding successfully. China has tightened laws to limit the once-unchecked growth of the country's digital behemoths. Last year, the government passed the Personal Information Protection Law and the Data Security Law, which established stricter guidelines for how businesses manage user data. The list of algorithms available for public review is limited to brief descriptions of how they work as well as the products and use cases to which they apply. ByteDance, for example, claims that their algorithm uses a user's likes and dislikes to promote content on applications such as Douyin, TikTok's Chinese cousin. According to Meituan, its algorithms assist in dispatching food orders to riders in the most effective manner depending on their downtime and delivery route. According to the laws, companies must also give non-public information to the CAC, including a self-assessment of the algorithms' security, the data they gather, if any sensitive biometric or identity information is included, and what data sources are utilised to train algorithms. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Alibaba, ByteDance share top secret algorithms to Chinese government for first time

ByteDance Ltd., the Chinese company that owns TikTok, has purchased Amcare Healthcare, one of the country's largest chains of private hospitals, for about $1.5 billion. One of the largest purchases has been made since Beijing's anti-monopoly drive on digital businesses began in late 2020 with this transaction.

According to a source with knowledge of the situation, ByteDance Ltd. now fully owns women's and children's hospitals in cities ranging from Beijing to Shenzhen, according to a story in Bloomberg. The publication also discovered corporate registries demonstrating that two ByteDance subsidiaries now hold Amcare outright.&nbsp;

Although this is the company's first venture into the healthcare sector, it has already invested in a variety of industries, including cleaning robots, coffee, and hotpot franchises.

It appears that ByteDance is attempting to disrupt the traditional healthcare sector with the acquisition of Amcare in order to compete with other significant tech firms.&nbsp;

This purchase continues a trend of digital giants like Apple and Amazon investing in the healthcare sector. Amazon said in late July that it had reached an agreement to buy One Medical, a primary care company with a tech focus, for $3.9 billion.&nbsp;

Amazon claimed in a statement that the healthcare industry was ready for change. Around the same time, Apple released a roughly 60-page report explaining its health-related features and collaborations with healthcare organisations, arguing that these services are crucial to the company's future.

ByteDance first entered the healthcare industry in 2020 when it purchased the Baikemy.com medical information platform. Later that year, it launched its own healthcare app, Xiaohe Health. It now expands its portfolio to include Amcare's seven hospitals, two integrated clinics, and five postpartum centres located throughout China.

(With inputs from agencies)

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ByteDance Ltd., the Chinese company that owns TikTok, has purchased Amcare Healthcare, one of the country's largest chains of private hospitals, for about $1.5 billion.

ByteDance Ltd., the Chinese company that owns TikTok, has purchased Amcare Healthcare, one of the country's largest chains of private hospitals, for about $1.5 billion. One of the largest purchases has been made since Beijing's anti-monopoly drive on digital businesses began in late 2020 with this transaction. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, ByteDance Ltd. now fully owns women's and children's hospitals in cities ranging from Beijing to Shenzhen, according to a story in Bloomberg. The publication also discovered corporate registries demonstrating that two ByteDance subsidiaries now hold Amcare outright. Although this is the company's first venture into the healthcare sector, it has already invested in a variety of industries, including cleaning robots, coffee, and hotpot franchises. It appears that ByteDance is attempting to disrupt the traditional healthcare sector with the acquisition of Amcare in order to compete with other significant tech firms. This purchase continues a trend of digital giants like Apple and Amazon investing in the healthcare sector. Amazon said in late July that it had reached an agreement to buy One Medical, a primary care company with a tech focus, for $3.9 billion. Amazon claimed in a statement that the healthcare industry was ready for change. Around the same time, Apple released a roughly 60-page report explaining its health-related features and collaborations with healthcare organisations, arguing that these services are crucial to the company's future. ByteDance first entered the healthcare industry in 2020 when it purchased the Baikemy.com medical information platform. Later that year, it launched its own healthcare app, Xiaohe Health. It now expands its portfolio to include Amcare's seven hospitals, two integrated clinics, and five postpartum centres located throughout China. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, buys China hospital chain for $1.5 billion

ByteDance-owned TikTok is now facing a backlash in New Zealand. Reportedly, the Kiwi lawmakers have been warned by House speaker Trevor Mallard to not use the TikTok app on their parliamentary phones and devices as it poses a security risk.

Reportedly, the directive was issued last week via the Parliamentary Service where the MPs were told that TikTok "could pose a security risk where data on your devices could be accessed by ByteDance (the owner of TikTok) and the Chinese Government."

While the Parliamentary Service strongly recommended that lawmakers delete the app, it also issued cautionary advice to those looking to keep it on their phones.&nbsp;

"Make sure you are comfortable with the permissions you have granted and remove its [TikTok] ability to access your location." read the cautionary advice.&nbsp;

Only a tiny percentage of Kiwi lawmakers have an official presence on the app but given its popularity, many will be tempted to use the short-video platform for their political campaigns in the future.

Over one million Kiwis use the app and thus, if not issued a directive early on, the app and its data harvesting policies could have serious ramifications.&nbsp;

It is pertinent to note that a&nbsp;2017 Chinese intelligence law compels a company based in China to give any information to the government as it requires. TikTok is based in China and thus the aspersions around its data practices.&nbsp;

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tiktok-and-other-chinese-apps-compile-data-497313">TikTok and other Chinese apps compile data</a>

TikTok and its wild popularity amongst the masses quickly brought it under the public microscope. Soon, several studies revealed that TikTok often compromised the user's data by harvesting it and also sharing it with the Communist Party of China (CCP) - a claim denied vehemently by ByteDance.&nbsp;

However, in 2020, Donald Trump, the then US President banned the app citing security concerns and its closeness with the Politburo officials.

Moreover, Trump had attempted to tie down TikTok to US tech major Oracle so that the users data could stay in the country. However, before Trump could enact his policies, he lost the election to Democrat Joe Biden who reversed his decision.&nbsp;

Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tiktok-us-user-data-leaked-to-china-leaked-tiktok-employee-audio-causes-a-row-501999">&nbsp;Tiktok U.S. user data leaked to China? Leaked TikTok employee audio causes a row</a>

Similarly, India brought down the sledgehammer and booted the company out of the country. While TikTok made a comeback in the US, it is still banned in India, one of the most lucrative internet markets across the planet.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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ByteDance-owned TikTok is now facing a backlash in New Zealand. Reportedly, the Kiwi lawmakers have been warned by House speaker Trevor Mallard to not use the TikTok app on their parliamentary phones and devices as it poses a security risk.

ByteDance-owned TikTok is now facing a backlash in New Zealand. Reportedly, the Kiwi lawmakers have been warned by House speaker Trevor Mallard to not use the TikTok app on their parliamentary phones and devices as it poses a security risk. Reportedly, the directive was issued last week via the Parliamentary Service where the MPs were told that TikTok "could pose a security risk where data on your devices could be accessed by ByteDance (the owner of TikTok) and the Chinese Government." While the Parliamentary Service strongly recommended that lawmakers delete the app, it also issued cautionary advice to those looking to keep it on their phones. "Make sure you are comfortable with the permissions you have granted and remove its [TikTok] ability to access your location." read the cautionary advice. Only a tiny percentage of Kiwi lawmakers have an official presence on the app but given its popularity, many will be tempted to use the short-video platform for their political campaigns in the future. Over one million Kiwis use the app and thus, if not issued a directive early on, the app and its data harvesting policies could have serious ramifications. It is pertinent to note that a 2017 Chinese intelligence law compels a company based in China to give any information to the government as it requires. TikTok is based in China and thus the aspersions around its data practices. Read More: TikTok and other Chinese apps compile data TikTok and its wild popularity amongst the masses quickly brought it under the public microscope. Soon, several studies revealed that TikTok often compromised the user's data by harvesting it and also sharing it with the Communist Party of China (CCP) - a claim denied vehemently by ByteDance. However, in 2020, Donald Trump, the then US President banned the app citing security concerns and its closeness with the Politburo officials. Moreover, Trump had attempted to tie down TikTok to US tech major Oracle so that the users data could stay in the country. However, before Trump could enact his policies, he lost the election to Democrat Joe Biden who reversed his decision. Read more: Tiktok U.S. user data leaked to China? Leaked TikTok employee audio causes a row Similarly, India brought down the sledgehammer and booted the company out of the country. While TikTok made a comeback in the US, it is still banned in India, one of the most lucrative internet markets across the planet. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

New Zealand MPs warned against using TikTok, citing security risks

According to a report, the Chinese government wanted to open an account on TikTok for propaganda purposes but was pushed back by the company since it was against its community guidelines.

A report in Bloomberg said the China-owned ByteDance was informed about China’s attempt to “promote content” which would “showcase the best side of China”. The account did not want to be openly seen as a government entity, the report claimed.

The request was deemed “sensitive” and the company declined the request, the report added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pakistani-man-drives-1400-kilometres-to-kill-ex-wife-after-she-made-tiktok-videos-on-divorce-501922">Also Read:&nbsp;Pak&nbsp;man drives 1,400 kilometres to kill ex-wife for making TikTok videos on divorce</a>

The development comes as US Republican Senators earlier had questioned TikTok’s data storage and access policies. TikTok had said last month that all of its data on US-based users were now stored on US-based servers operated by Oracle.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner urge Instagram to not copy TikTok

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The company told US Senators that Chinese officials had never requested data on American users and that it would never be provided even if it is asked by Chinese officials. TikTok is under investigation by US officials over risk of foreign investments to US national security.

Former President Donald Trump had raised objections on TikTok’s security data and had tried to force ByteDance to sell its US subsidiary to Oracle. Trump had also issued an order to ban TikTok in America but it did not come into force and was revoked by President Joe Biden, however, the US president asked administration officials to look into risks associated with foreign ownership of social media websites and apps.

TikTok had said Oracle will store all the data from its US users even with&nbsp;Biden administration officials keen to investigate the company. Reports say TikTok has created a new US data security to strengthen its protection policies in a bid to allay security fears.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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According to a report, the Chinese government wanted to open an account on TikTok for propaganda purposes but was pushed back by the company since it was against its community guidelines.

According to a report, the Chinese government wanted to open an account on TikTok for propaganda purposes but was pushed back by the company since it was against its community guidelines. A report in Bloomberg said the China-owned ByteDance was informed about China’s attempt to “promote content” which would “showcase the best side of China”. The account did not want to be openly seen as a government entity, the report claimed. The request was deemed “sensitive” and the company declined the request, the report added. Also Read: Pak man drives 1,400 kilometres to kill ex-wife for making TikTok videos on divorce The development comes as US Republican Senators earlier had questioned TikTok’s data storage and access policies. TikTok had said last month that all of its data on US-based users were now stored on US-based servers operated by Oracle. Watch: Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner urge Instagram to not copy TikTok The company told US Senators that Chinese officials had never requested data on American users and that it would never be provided even if it is asked by Chinese officials. TikTok is under investigation by US officials over risk of foreign investments to US national security. Former President Donald Trump had raised objections on TikTok’s security data and had tried to force ByteDance to sell its US subsidiary to Oracle. Trump had also issued an order to ban TikTok in America but it did not come into force and was revoked by President Joe Biden, however, the US president asked administration officials to look into risks associated with foreign ownership of social media websites and apps. TikTok had said Oracle will store all the data from its US users even with Biden administration officials keen to investigate the company. Reports say TikTok has created a new US data security to strengthen its protection policies in a bid to allay security fears. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

China wanted to open TikTok account to promote propaganda: Report

The parents of the two girls who died in the United States while participating in TikTok's "Blackout Challenge", which makes a sport of choking oneself until passing out have sued the company.

Accusing TikTok software of "intentionally and repeatedly" pushing the Blackout Challenge, the lawsuit has been filed in state court in Los Angeles.

Matthew Bergman, an attorney at the Social Media Victims Law Center, which filed the suit, told news agency AFP that "TikTok needs to be held accountable for pushing deadly content to these two young girls."

"TikTok has invested billions of dollars to intentionally design products that push dangerous content that it knows are dangerous and can result in the deaths of its users."

The girls who died after attempting the challenge were eight and nine years old and used a rope and a dog leash.&nbsp;

Their parents have accused TikTok of using its algorithm to promote the Blackout Challenge to each of the girls and listed similar deaths in Italy and Australia as examples.

Calling for a judge to order TikTok to stop hooking children via its algorithm and promoting dangerous challenges, they have also cited examples of harmful challenges including "Skull Breaker Challenge", "Coronavirus Challenge" as well as the "Fire Challenge".

Several users and tech experts have also raised concerns that TikTok, owned by China-based ByteDance, has featured and promoted an array of challenges in which users film themselves taking part in themed acts that are sometimes dangerous.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The parents of the two girls who died in the United States while participating in TikTok's "Blackout Challenge", which makes a sport of choking oneself until passing out have sued the company.

The parents of the two girls who died in the United States while participating in TikTok's "Blackout Challenge", which makes a sport of choking oneself until passing out have sued the company. Accusing TikTok software of "intentionally and repeatedly" pushing the Blackout Challenge, the lawsuit has been filed in state court in Los Angeles. Matthew Bergman, an attorney at the Social Media Victims Law Center, which filed the suit, told news agency AFP that "TikTok needs to be held accountable for pushing deadly content to these two young girls." "TikTok has invested billions of dollars to intentionally design products that push dangerous content that it knows are dangerous and can result in the deaths of its users." The girls who died after attempting the challenge were eight and nine years old and used a rope and a dog leash. Their parents have accused TikTok of using its algorithm to promote the Blackout Challenge to each of the girls and listed similar deaths in Italy and Australia as examples. Calling for a judge to order TikTok to stop hooking children via its algorithm and promoting dangerous challenges, they have also cited examples of harmful challenges including "Skull Breaker Challenge", "Coronavirus Challenge" as well as the "Fire Challenge". Several users and tech experts have also raised concerns that TikTok, owned by China-based ByteDance, has featured and promoted an array of challenges in which users film themselves taking part in themed acts that are sometimes dangerous. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

'Blackout challenge': Two children die in sport of choking themself in US, TikTok sued by parents

TikTok has decided to move the data of US servers to Oracle’s could platform amid reports that employees of its parent company ByteDance in China have repeatedly accessed private information of American users.

A Buzzfeed report on Friday citing 14 statements from nine different TikTok employees claimed that engineers in China had access to US data between September 2021 and January 2022. This is despite a TikTok executive’s sworn testimony&nbsp;in an October 2021 Senate hearing that a “world-renowned, US-based security team” decides who gets access to this data.

The report further claimed that US staff did not have permission or knowledge of how to access the data on their own.

Responding to the report, TikTok, in a blogpost, said it has "changed the default storage location of US user data" to Oracle and that "100% of US user traffic" is now hosted by the cloud provider, following more than a year of discussions with the company, CNN reported.

TikTok will continue to use its own data centers in Virginia and Singapore to backup information as it works to “fully pivot” to relying on Oracle in the United States, it said in a post. TikTok did not provide a timeframe for the planned deletion.

Moreover, TikTok denied giving US user data to Chinese officials and that it would refuse if asked to do so.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-wants-twitter-to-be-like-tiktok-and-wechat-have-a-billion-users-report-489037" hreflang="en">At townhall, Musk wanted Twitter to be like TikTok, WeChat, have a billion users: Report</a>

“We’ve brought in world class internal and external security experts to help us strengthen our data security efforts,” a TikTok spokesperson told AFP.

Joe Biden last year revoked executive orders from his predecessor Donald Trump seeking to ban Chinese-owned apps TikTok and WeChat from US markets on national security concerns.

Trump had given his blessing to a plan that would have given TikTok to US tech giant Oracle with investments from retail powerhouse Walmart, but that deal failed to win approval in Beijing.

(With inputs from agencies)

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TikTok has decided to move the data of US servers to Oracle’s could platform amid reports that employees of its parent company ByteDance in China have repeatedly accessed private information of American users.

TikTok has decided to move the data of US servers to Oracle’s could platform amid reports that employees of its parent company ByteDance in China have repeatedly accessed private information of American users. A Buzzfeed report on Friday citing 14 statements from nine different TikTok employees claimed that engineers in China had access to US data between September 2021 and January 2022. This is despite a TikTok executive’s sworn testimony in an October 2021 Senate hearing that a “world-renowned, US-based security team” decides who gets access to this data. The report further claimed that US staff did not have permission or knowledge of how to access the data on their own. Responding to the report, TikTok, in a blogpost, said it has "changed the default storage location of US user data" to Oracle and that "100% of US user traffic" is now hosted by the cloud provider, following more than a year of discussions with the company, CNN reported. TikTok will continue to use its own data centers in Virginia and Singapore to backup information as it works to “fully pivot” to relying on Oracle in the United States, it said in a post. TikTok did not provide a timeframe for the planned deletion. Moreover, TikTok denied giving US user data to Chinese officials and that it would refuse if asked to do so. Also read | At townhall, Musk wanted Twitter to be like TikTok, WeChat, have a billion users: Report “We’ve brought in world class internal and external security experts to help us strengthen our data security efforts,” a TikTok spokesperson told AFP. Joe Biden last year revoked executive orders from his predecessor Donald Trump seeking to ban Chinese-owned apps TikTok and WeChat from US markets on national security concerns. Trump had given his blessing to a plan that would have given TikTok to US tech giant Oracle with investments from retail powerhouse Walmart, but that deal failed to win approval in Beijing. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

TikTok moves US users’ data to Oracle amid reports of access by Chinese workers

In the latest shake up, ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming has stepped down as chairman of the company, which owns TikTok, said a report by Reuters citing a person with knowledge of the matter. Yiming had said in May that he would step down as CEO. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-should-step-down-says-whistleblower-frances-haugen-426037" hreflang="en">Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg should step down, says whistleblower Frances Haugen</a>

Liang Rubo, who is the new CEO, has taken over as chairman of the company's five-person board. The board also includes General Atlantic, Sequoia Capital, Coatue Management, and Susquehanna International Group, the person said. The decision was made this year, added the source. &nbsp;

It seems to be unclear that why and when this change of guard occurred. And will these changes affect&nbsp;Yiming's&nbsp;more than 50% voting rights at the firm. Several questions like these are yet to be answered. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-me-on-earth-or-in-space-wfp-chief-fires-new-tweet-at-elon-musk-426140" hreflang="en">Meet me on Earth or in space: WFP chief fires new tweet at Elon Musk</a>

In May, ByteDance had announced that Zhang would move to a "key strategy" position at the end of the year. The source said that plan was unchanged. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The surprise announcement of Zhang saw his college roommate and co-founder Liang take the lead in navigating the company through a rising wave of new government regulations targeting big tech companies. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In the latest shake up, ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming has stepped down as chairman of the company, which owns TikTok, said a report by Reuters citing a person with knowledge of the matter.

In the latest shake up, ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming has stepped down as chairman of the company, which owns TikTok, said a report by Reuters citing a person with knowledge of the matter. Yiming had said in May that he would step down as CEO. Also Read: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg should step down, says whistleblower Frances Haugen Liang Rubo, who is the new CEO, has taken over as chairman of the company's five-person board. The board also includes General Atlantic, Sequoia Capital, Coatue Management, and Susquehanna International Group, the person said. The decision was made this year, added the source. It seems to be unclear that why and when this change of guard occurred. And will these changes affect Yiming's more than 50% voting rights at the firm. Several questions like these are yet to be answered. Also Read | Meet me on Earth or in space: WFP chief fires new tweet at Elon Musk In May, ByteDance had announced that Zhang would move to a "key strategy" position at the end of the year. The source said that plan was unchanged. The surprise announcement of Zhang saw his college roommate and co-founder Liang take the lead in navigating the company through a rising wave of new government regulations targeting big tech companies. (With inputs from agencies)

In shake up at ByteDance, founder Zhang Yiming steps down as chairman: Report   

Microsoft's Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella said on Monday that the company's near acquisition of social media app TikTok was the "strangest thing" he had "ever worked on"

Former US President Donald Trump had ordered TikTok to separate its US version from Chinese parent company ByteDance over concerns of data security of US users. Microsoft had begun acquisition talks in August 2020 but the deal collapsed by September.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/microsoft-co-founder-bill-gates-offers-15-billion-in-climate-help-if-us-takes-legislative-action-405062">Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates offers $1.5 billion in climate help if US takes legislative action</a>

Trump's divestment push ended by the time he left office in January and no potential suitor ending up acquiring TikTok.

Nadella was speaking at the Code Conference in Beverly Hills, California. He said that he was looking forward to bringing Microsoft's security, child safety and cloud expertise to TikTok.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/safe-and-easy-microsoft-announces-passwordless-account-for-users-413771">Safe and easy: Microsoft announces 'passwordless account' for users</a>

"It's unbelievable," Nadella said of the experience during an on-stage interview. "I learned so many things about so much and so many people. First of all, TikTok came to us. We didn't go to TikTok."

"TikTok was caught in between a lot of things happening across two capitals," Nadella continued. "President Trump had a particular point of view of what he was trying to get done there, and then it just dropped off. The [U.S. government] had a particular set of requirements and then it just disappeared."

Nadella said Microsoft's services related to content moderation and child safety was what had attracted TikTOk CEO Zhang Yiming to Microsoft.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amazon-microsoft-cisco-among-tech-giants-to-utilise-data-from-indias-farmers-413747">Amazon, Microsoft, Cisco among tech giants to utilise data from India’s farmers</a>

ByteDance did not immediately respond to Reuter's request for comment.

Nadella said he has no idea whether the US is still pushing for a deal under President Joe Biden. The Biden administration has said it is reviewing the national security concerns&nbsp;

"At this point, I'm happy with what I have," Nadella said.

He also expressed support for greater government regulation of cryptocurrency rules, which could stifle ransomware attacks since the ransoms often flow through opaque systems.

Microsoft's Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella said on Monday that the company's near acquisition of social media app TikTok was the "strangest thing" he had "ever worked on" Former US President Donald Trump had ordered TikTok to separate its US version from Chinese parent company ByteDance over concerns of data security of US users.

Microsoft's Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella said on Monday that the company's near acquisition of social media app TikTok was the "strangest thing" he had "ever worked on" Former US President Donald Trump had ordered TikTok to separate its US version from Chinese parent company ByteDance over concerns of data security of US users. Microsoft had begun acquisition talks in August 2020 but the deal collapsed by September. Also Read | Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates offers $1.5 billion in climate help if US takes legislative action Trump's divestment push ended by the time he left office in January and no potential suitor ending up acquiring TikTok. Nadella was speaking at the Code Conference in Beverly Hills, California. He said that he was looking forward to bringing Microsoft's security, child safety and cloud expertise to TikTok. Also Read | Safe and easy: Microsoft announces 'passwordless account' for users "It's unbelievable," Nadella said of the experience during an on-stage interview. "I learned so many things about so much and so many people. First of all, TikTok came to us. We didn't go to TikTok." "TikTok was caught in between a lot of things happening across two capitals," Nadella continued. "President Trump had a particular point of view of what he was trying to get done there, and then it just dropped off. The [U.S. government] had a particular set of requirements and then it just disappeared." Nadella said Microsoft's services related to content moderation and child safety was what had attracted TikTOk CEO Zhang Yiming to Microsoft. Also Read | Amazon, Microsoft, Cisco among tech giants to utilise data from India’s farmers ByteDance did not immediately respond to Reuter's request for comment. Nadella said he has no idea whether the US is still pushing for a deal under President Joe Biden. The Biden administration has said it is reviewing the national security concerns "At this point, I'm happy with what I have," Nadella said. He also expressed support for greater government regulation of cryptocurrency rules, which could stifle ransomware attacks since the ransoms often flow through opaque systems.

Failed TikTok deal 'strangest thing I've worked on', says Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

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