Canada announced a national security review of TikTok's proposal to expand its short-video app business within the country earlier in September, as stated by the industry ministry on Thursday (March 14).

The potential outcomes of this review vary, ranging from Canada requiring TikTok to implement mitigation measures to potentially blocking the expansion altogether, which could contribute to the company's existing challenges.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/steven-mnuchin-former-treasury-secretary-shows-interest-in-acquiring-tiktok-700119">Former Treasury Secretary Mnuchin putting together group to acquire TikTok</a>

On Wednesday, the US House passed a bill mandating TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, to divest the app's US assets or face a ban. This legislative action represents the latest response from Washington to address national security concerns about China, spanning various sectors from connected vehicles to advanced artificial intelligence chips to infrastructure components at US ports.

The Canadian review, as clarified by the industry ministry's statement, solely focuses on TikTok's investment plan. Consequently, it is unlikely to result in an outright ban akin to the proposed action in the United States.

A government spokesperson acknowledged that Canada is closely monitoring developments related to the proposed US legislation but refrained from commenting on the specifics of Canada's review, emphasising that it is unrelated to the US bill.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-300000-america-jobs-at-risk-tiktok-ceo-reacts-to-us-house-vote-on-app-699894" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/over-300000-america-jobs-at-risk-tiktok-ceo-reacts-to-us-house-vote-on-app-699894&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwidyvjG6fOEAxUkwzgGHTUyDj4QFnoECAcQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hFIjj-PsWPOsEovvu2xux&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-300000-america-jobs-at-risk-tiktok-ceo-reacts-to-us-house-vote-on-app-699894" target="_blank">TikTok&nbsp;CEO reacts to US House vote on app</a>

Under Canadian legislation, the government has the authority to evaluate potential national security risks associated with foreign investments, such as the TikTok proposal. However, the law prohibits disclosing the details of such investments.

Last year, Canada prohibited TikTok from government-issued devices, citing an "unacceptable" level of risk to privacy and security. Additionally, Canada's privacy commissioner is conducting an investigation into TikTok's practices regarding the collection, usage, and disclosure of personal information.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-passes-bill-that-could-ban-tiktok-699768">US House passes bill that could ban TikTok</a>

In response, a TikTok spokesperson affirmed the company's cooperation with the national security review and reiterated their commitment to maintaining platform safety and security for Canadian creators, artists, and small businesses.

(With inputs from agencies)

Canada announced a national security review of TikTok's proposal to expand its short-video app business within the country earlier in September, as stated by the industry ministry on Thursday (March 14).

Canada announced a national security review of TikTok's proposal to expand its short-video app business within the country earlier in September, as stated by the industry ministry on Thursday (March 14). The potential outcomes of this review vary, ranging from Canada requiring TikTok to implement mitigation measures to potentially blocking the expansion altogether, which could contribute to the company's existing challenges. Also read: Former Treasury Secretary Mnuchin putting together group to acquire TikTok On Wednesday, the US House passed a bill mandating TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, to divest the app's US assets or face a ban. This legislative action represents the latest response from Washington to address national security concerns about China, spanning various sectors from connected vehicles to advanced artificial intelligence chips to infrastructure components at US ports. The Canadian review, as clarified by the industry ministry's statement, solely focuses on TikTok's investment plan. Consequently, it is unlikely to result in an outright ban akin to the proposed action in the United States. A government spokesperson acknowledged that Canada is closely monitoring developments related to the proposed US legislation but refrained from commenting on the specifics of Canada's review, emphasising that it is unrelated to the US bill. Also read: TikTok CEO reacts to US House vote on app Under Canadian legislation, the government has the authority to evaluate potential national security risks associated with foreign investments, such as the TikTok proposal. However, the law prohibits disclosing the details of such investments. Last year, Canada prohibited TikTok from government-issued devices, citing an "unacceptable" level of risk to privacy and security. Additionally, Canada's privacy commissioner is conducting an investigation into TikTok's practices regarding the collection, usage, and disclosure of personal information. Also read | US House passes bill that could ban TikTok In response, a TikTok spokesperson affirmed the company's cooperation with the national security review and reiterated their commitment to maintaining platform safety and security for Canadian creators, artists, and small businesses. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada reviews TikTok's expansion proposal over national security implications

TikTok's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shou Zi Chew on Wednesday (Mar 13) warned of job losses after the US House of Representatives passed a bill that would give the video sharing app's owner ByteDance about six months to divest its American assets, or face a ban.

TikTok's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shou Zi Chew on Wednesday (Mar 13) warned of job losses after the US House of Representatives passed a bill that would give the video sharing app's owner ByteDance about six months to divest its American assets, or face a ban. He also urged users to oppose the ban to protect their "constitutional rights". "We believe we can overcome this together... Protect your constitutional rights. Make your voices heard," Chew said in a video message posted on TikTok and social media platform X. "Over the last few years, we have invested to keep your data safe and all platforms free from outside manipulation. We have committed that we will continue to do so. This legislation, if signed into law, will lead to a ban of TikTok in the United States," Chew said. Also read | US House passes bill that could ban TikTok Chew added that the bill would take billions of dollars out of the pockets of creators and small businesses. "It will put more than 300,000 American jobs at risk and it will take away your TikTok," he added and pointed out that that the short-video app mattered to the small business owners who relied on it to make ends meet. Bill passed 352-65 in bipartisan vote The House of Representatives bill on TikTok ban was passed 352-65 in a bipartisan vote. However, it faces a more uncertain path in the Senate where some favour a different approach to regulating foreign-owned apps posing security concerns, Reuters news agency reported. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the Senate will review the legislation. TikTok is used by about 170 million Americans, and the app's fate has become a major issue in the US where lawmakers have complained that their offices have been flooded with calls from the app users who oppose the legislation. Also read | Elon Musk joins Trump in denouncing proposed TikTok ban in US: 'It's about censorship, govt control' Wednesday's bill is the latest measure by Washington to respond to US national security concerns about China, from connected vehicles to advanced artificial intelligence chips to cranes at American ports. Some Democrats question bill Prominent Democrats in the House, including Kathleen Clark, Arizona Senate candidate Ruben Gallego, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez voted against the bill. "There are serious antitrust and privacy questions here, and any national security concerns should be laid out to the public prior to a vote," Ocasio-Cortez said. Senate Commerce Committee chair Maria Cantwell said that she wanted legislation that could hold up in court and was considering a separate bill. Before the vote, several TikTok users rallied outside the Capitol. Also watch | Gravitas: House passes bill threatening Tiktok ban in US × Twenty-three-year-old Mona Swain, who was outside the Capitol, said that the bill would put a lot of people out of work. Swain joined TikTok in 2019 and has become a full-time creator. Speaking to Reuters, Swain said that she was paying her mother’s mortgage and for her brother and sister’s college educations with her earnings from the app. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 300,000 American jobs at risk: TikTok CEO asks users to oppose bill aiming to ban app

The US House of Representatives passed a bill that brings more problem for the social media platform TikTok well the bill gives TikTok's Chinese owner Byte dance around six months to divest the US assets off the app or face a ban in the US. This is the biggest threat the app has faced since the Trump Administration. Watch to know more!

US TikTok Ban: Creators oppose TikTok ban as short-video app fights for survival

The U.S. Lawmakers have passed a bill to ban TikTok in the country unless its Chinese owner Bytedance decides to sell it. The house of representatives approved the measure with wide bipartisan support 352 congress members voted in favor of the bill and only 65 voted against the bill. The legislation now moves to the senate.

TikTok Ban in US: Are Tik-Tok's days numbered?

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that could potentially lead to a ban on TikTok, a popular social media platform in the country, for US users. In another big development in US politics, former US President Donald Trump has been partially relieved of some election subversion charges&nbsp;in the State of Georgia vs Donald J. Trump trial.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In news from India, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled its second list of candidates, featuring 72 names including prominent figures such as Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Anurag Thakur, and Piyush Goyal. With these nominations, the BJP sets the stage for crucial electoral battles in various constituencies across India.

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The bill, which could lead to a ban on TikTok for US&nbsp;users, has successfully passed in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (Mar&nbsp;13). The fate of the measure remains uncertain in the Senate.

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Former US President Donald Trump was relieved of some of the election subversion charges in the&nbsp;State of Georgia Vs.&nbsp;Donald J. Trump criminal case trial. The overall case, however, remains intact.

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The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party released its second list of candidates. A total of 72 candidates, including Union ministers Nitin Gadkari (Nagpur), Anurag Thakur (Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh), and Piyush Goyal (Mumbai north) were named in the second list of the BJP candidates.

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In response to the increasing incidents of dog bites nationwide, the Central government has implemented a ban on the import, sale and breeding of 23 aggressive dog breeds, which are deemed a threat to human life.

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The Israeli military claimed on Wednesday (Mar 13) that its strikes killed a "significant" Hamas member Hadi Ali Mustafa in southern Lebanon.&nbsp;

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World's first AI software engineer ‘Devin’ has been created by the tech company Cognition. The AI software engineer is capable of writing code, crafting websites and developing software with just a single prompt.

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India's Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Tuesday (Mar 12) issued a fact-check rebuttal of claims made by international media outlet Al Jazeera that had labelled the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-act-rules-narendra-modi-699019">Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)</a>&nbsp;"anti-Muslim".&nbsp;

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In Gaza, the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has asserted that starvation is being employed as a tool of warfare. Josep Borrell characterised the absence of aid reaching the region as a calamity deliberately caused by human actions.

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Matt Reeves’&nbsp;The Batman 2&nbsp;now has a new release date. The film will now open on October 2,&nbsp;2026 instead of its scheduled date, October 3, 2025. Reports suggest that this date change is a result of the dual Hollywood strikes that left the entire industry in a limbo, postponing all scheduled productions of films and shows worldwide.&nbsp;

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Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) might be changing its name ahead of the start of the new season, if the social media footprint of the club is any indication.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that could potentially lead to a ban on TikTok, a popular social media platform in the country, for US users. In another big development in US politics, former US President Donald Trump has been partially relieved of some election subversion charges in the State of Georgia vs Donald J.

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that could potentially lead to a ban on TikTok, a popular social media platform in the country, for US users. In another big development in US politics, former US President Donald Trump has been partially relieved of some election subversion charges in the State of Georgia vs Donald J. Trump trial. In news from India, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled its second list of candidates, featuring 72 names including prominent figures such as Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Anurag Thakur, and Piyush Goyal. With these nominations, the BJP sets the stage for crucial electoral battles in various constituencies across India. US House passes bill that could ban TikTok The bill, which could lead to a ban on TikTok for US users, has successfully passed in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (Mar 13). The fate of the measure remains uncertain in the Senate. Donald Trump gets partial relief in Georgia election interference case Former US President Donald Trump was relieved of some of the election subversion charges in the State of Georgia Vs. Donald J. Trump criminal case trial. The overall case, however, remains intact. India Elections 2024: Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal named in second BJP list The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party released its second list of candidates. A total of 72 candidates, including Union ministers Nitin Gadkari (Nagpur), Anurag Thakur (Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh), and Piyush Goyal (Mumbai north) were named in the second list of the BJP candidates. Indian govt prohibits import, breeding and sale of 23 dangerous dog breeds In response to the increasing incidents of dog bites nationwide, the Central government has implemented a ban on the import, sale and breeding of 23 aggressive dog breeds, which are deemed a threat to human life. Israel claims strike on car in south Lebanon kills 'significant' Hamas member The Israeli military claimed on Wednesday (Mar 13) that its strikes killed a "significant" Hamas member Hadi Ali Mustafa in southern Lebanon. World’s first AI software engineer Devin can write, code, and create with a single prompt World's first AI software engineer ‘Devin’ has been created by the tech company Cognition. The AI software engineer is capable of writing code, crafting websites and developing software with just a single prompt. India fact-checks international media report on CAA, labels it ‘misleading’ India's Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Tuesday (Mar 12) issued a fact-check rebuttal of claims made by international media outlet Al Jazeera that had labelled the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) "anti-Muslim". Israel-Hamas war: Starvation being used as a weapon, says EU official In Gaza, the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has asserted that starvation is being employed as a tool of warfare. Josep Borrell characterised the absence of aid reaching the region as a calamity deliberately caused by human actions. Robert Pattinson's The Batman 2 delayed by a year Matt Reeves’ The Batman 2 now has a new release date. The film will now open on October 2, 2026 instead of its scheduled date, October 3, 2025. Reports suggest that this date change is a result of the dual Hollywood strikes that left the entire industry in a limbo, postponing all scheduled productions of films and shows worldwide. IPL 2024: RCB set for name change? Franchise drops major hint ahead of opening match - Watch Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) might be changing its name ahead of the start of the new season, if the social media footprint of the club is any indication.

Top 10 world news: US House passes bill that could ban TikTok; Georgia election interference case, and more

The bill, which could lead to a ban on TikTok for US&nbsp;users, has successfully passed in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (March 13). The fate of the measure remains uncertain in the Senate.

The vote resulted in a 352-65 outcome, with opposition from 15 Republicans and 50 Democrats. One Democrat voted present. The bill's approval in the GOP-controlled House contrasts with former President Donald Trump's expressed opposition to a TikTok ban.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-takes-a-u-turn-on-tiktok-ban-says-facebook-is-enemy-of-the-people-699215" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-takes-a-u-turn-on-tiktok-ban-says-facebook-is-enemy-of-the-people-699215&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj3_u2qwvGEAxXL9jgGHe1EB6kQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2alx45TjqTLIr2I970P_Zj&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-takes-a-u-turn-on-tiktok-ban-says-facebook-is-enemy-of-the-people-699215" target="_blank">Trump's&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;U-turn: Says some kids will 'go crazy without it</a>

Legislation greenlit by the House raises the possibility of a TikTok ban in the US unless the app disassociates from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. This poses a significant threat to one of the globe's most widely-used social media platforms, boasting 170 million American users.

The fate of the measure in the Senate remains uncertain at this time. President Joe Biden has indicated his willingness to sign the bill if it successfully passes through the legislative process.

Should the legislation be enacted, TikTok would have approximately five months to sever ties with ByteDance, failing which app stores in the United States would be prohibited from hosting it on their platforms.

In a statement on Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson called on the Senate to endorse the House-approved bill that could potentially ban TikTok in the US.

Watch:&nbsp;TikTok Ban: Will the U.S. follow India's lead?

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"Applications like TikTok enable the Chinese Communist Party to disseminate harmful content to our youth and engage in malign activities, including collecting the location, purchasing habits, contacts, and sensitive data of Americans. Today's bipartisan vote reflects Congress' resistance to Communist China's efforts to spy on and manipulate Americans, emphasizing our determination to deter our adversaries," Johnson expressed in the statement.

"I implore the Senate to pass this bill and transmit it to the President for his signature, turning it into law," he added.

Meanwhile&nbsp;TikTok contends that the legislation constitutes an assault on the First Amendment rights of its users and encourages them to reach out to their representatives in Washington to voice opposition to the bill.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/us-govt-to-ban-new-downloads-of-tiktok" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/us-govt-to-ban-new-downloads-of-tiktok&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi19o--wvGEAxWdz6ACHeZaClo4ChAWegQIBhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw0kV9QF3LXhqn0JvjkRum0x&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/us-govt-to-ban-new-downloads-of-tiktok" target="_blank">US govt to&nbsp;ban&nbsp;new downloads of&nbsp;TikTok</a>

In anticipation of the vote, China's foreign ministry expressed strong disapproval, denouncing it as an act of bullying.

(With inputs from agencies)

The bill, which could lead to a ban on TikTok for US users, has successfully passed in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (March 13). The fate of the measure remains uncertain in the Senate.

The bill, which could lead to a ban on TikTok for US users, has successfully passed in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (March 13). The fate of the measure remains uncertain in the Senate. The vote resulted in a 352-65 outcome, with opposition from 15 Republicans and 50 Democrats. One Democrat voted present. The bill's approval in the GOP-controlled House contrasts with former President Donald Trump's expressed opposition to a TikTok ban. Also read: Trump's TikTok U-turn: Says some kids will 'go crazy without it Legislation greenlit by the House raises the possibility of a TikTok ban in the US unless the app disassociates from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. This poses a significant threat to one of the globe's most widely-used social media platforms, boasting 170 million American users. The fate of the measure in the Senate remains uncertain at this time. President Joe Biden has indicated his willingness to sign the bill if it successfully passes through the legislative process. Should the legislation be enacted, TikTok would have approximately five months to sever ties with ByteDance, failing which app stores in the United States would be prohibited from hosting it on their platforms. In a statement on Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson called on the Senate to endorse the House-approved bill that could potentially ban TikTok in the US. Watch: TikTok Ban: Will the U.S. follow India's lead? × "Applications like TikTok enable the Chinese Communist Party to disseminate harmful content to our youth and engage in malign activities, including collecting the location, purchasing habits, contacts, and sensitive data of Americans. Today's bipartisan vote reflects Congress' resistance to Communist China's efforts to spy on and manipulate Americans, emphasizing our determination to deter our adversaries," Johnson expressed in the statement. "I implore the Senate to pass this bill and transmit it to the President for his signature, turning it into law," he added. Meanwhile TikTok contends that the legislation constitutes an assault on the First Amendment rights of its users and encourages them to reach out to their representatives in Washington to voice opposition to the bill. Also read: US govt to ban new downloads of TikTok In anticipation of the vote, China's foreign ministry expressed strong disapproval, denouncing it as an act of bullying. (With inputs from agencies)

US House passes bill that could ban TikTok

Nepal has decided to ban the Chinese short-form video app TikTok citing its negative effects on social harmony, local media reported on Monday (Nov 13). According to a report by The Kathmandu Post, the government said that a large section of the society criticised TikTok for encouraging a tendency of hate speech. It is not yet known when the ban will be implemented.&nbsp;

The report said that in the last four years, over 1,600 cases of cybercrime were reported on the app. The decision to ban TikTok comes days after the government introduced the "Directives on the Operation of Social Networking 2023."

This law states that social media platforms operating in Nepal including Facebook, X and YouTube are required to set up their offices in the country. Earlier, an increasing number of citizens complained the absence of social media companies' representatives in the country as it made it difficult for authorities to address their concerns and even remove objectional content from such platforms.

The law adds that the social media companies will either establish their office in Nepal or appoint a focal person within three months of enforcement of the directives, as per the report.

The platforms will have to be registered with the country's information and communication technology ministry. A failure of registration can lead to a shutdown of such platforms.

Nepal has decided to ban the Chinese short-form video app TikTok citing its negative effects on social harmony, local media reported on Monday (Nov 13). According to a report by The Kathmandu Post, the government said that a large section of the society criticised TikTok for encouraging a tendency of hate speech.

Nepal has decided to ban the Chinese short-form video app TikTok citing its negative effects on social harmony, local media reported on Monday (Nov 13). According to a report by The Kathmandu Post, the government said that a large section of the society criticised TikTok for encouraging a tendency of hate speech. It is not yet known when the ban will be implemented. The report said that in the last four years, over 1,600 cases of cybercrime were reported on the app. The decision to ban TikTok comes days after the government introduced the "Directives on the Operation of Social Networking 2023." This law states that social media platforms operating in Nepal including Facebook, X and YouTube are required to set up their offices in the country. Earlier, an increasing number of citizens complained the absence of social media companies' representatives in the country as it made it difficult for authorities to address their concerns and even remove objectional content from such platforms. The law adds that the social media companies will either establish their office in Nepal or appoint a focal person within three months of enforcement of the directives, as per the report. The platforms will have to be registered with the country's information and communication technology ministry. A failure of registration can lead to a shutdown of such platforms.

Nepal decides to ban TikTok citing negative effects on social harmony

Somalia has banned a number of social media applications in light of rapidly spreading indecent content and propaganda, said the nation's communication minister in a statement released late on Sunday.

<h2>Which apps have been banned?</h2>

The East African nation has placed a ban on the popular short video format application TikTok, messaging app Telegram and an online betting website 1XBet.

Reuters reports that the government order has given internet service providers time till August 24&nbsp;to comply with the ban.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fifty-four-ugandan-soldiers-killed-by-al-shabaab-militants-in-somalia-600255">Fifty-four Ugandan soldiers killed by al-Shabaab militants in attack on military base in Somalia</a>

Somalian communications minister Jama Hassan Khalif's statement, as per Reuters, said: "The minister of communications orders internet companies to stop the aforementioned applications, which terrorists and immoral groups used to spread constant horrific images and misinformation to the public."

<h2>What prompted this ban?</h2>

As per the news agency, the ban comes days after the nation's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud revealed that a Somalian military offensive is aiming to eliminate al Shabaab, an insurgent group, in the next five months.

Members of al Shabaab — a group with linkages to al-Qaeda — often post about their illegal activities on TikTok and Telegram.

While ByteDance's TikTok and betting website 1XBet are yet to issue a comment over the ban, Telegram in its statement said: "Telegram consistently removes terrorist propaganda in Somalia and worldwide."

It also said that it "actively moderated" harmful content on its platform.

<h2>App users criticise the ban</h2>

In Somalia and elsewhere, millions of users use TikTok to make money by posting videos, entertaining content or promoting their products. Talking to Reuters, some Somalian TikTok influencers&nbsp;and content creators said they were against the ban.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tiktok-banned-by-new-york-city-on-government-owned-devices-over-security-concerns-626232">TikTok banned by New York City on government-owned devices over security concerns</a>

One user, Abdulkadir Ali Mohamed, who calls himself Somalia's "TikTok President," said: "The ban on TikTok will make the lights of many homes go off."

"Where will we get our daily bread?" he asked.

Another user, Halimo Hassan, who sells precious metal gold on TikTok, expressed worry over losing her customers and said: "I urge the government to allow TikTok for the public, but control how it is used in the cultural context of Somalia."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Somalia has banned a number of social media applications in light of rapidly spreading indecent content and propaganda, said the nation's communication minister in a statement released late on Sunday.

Somalia has banned a number of social media applications in light of rapidly spreading indecent content and propaganda, said the nation's communication minister in a statement released late on Sunday. Which apps have been banned? The East African nation has placed a ban on the popular short video format application TikTok, messaging app Telegram and an online betting website 1XBet. Reuters reports that the government order has given internet service providers time till August 24 to comply with the ban. Also read | Fifty-four Ugandan soldiers killed by al-Shabaab militants in attack on military base in Somalia Somalian communications minister Jama Hassan Khalif's statement, as per Reuters, said: "The minister of communications orders internet companies to stop the aforementioned applications, which terrorists and immoral groups used to spread constant horrific images and misinformation to the public." What prompted this ban? As per the news agency, the ban comes days after the nation's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud revealed that a Somalian military offensive is aiming to eliminate al Shabaab, an insurgent group, in the next five months. Members of al Shabaab — a group with linkages to al-Qaeda — often post about their illegal activities on TikTok and Telegram. While ByteDance's TikTok and betting website 1XBet are yet to issue a comment over the ban, Telegram in its statement said: "Telegram consistently removes terrorist propaganda in Somalia and worldwide." It also said that it "actively moderated" harmful content on its platform. App users criticise the ban In Somalia and elsewhere, millions of users use TikTok to make money by posting videos, entertaining content or promoting their products. Talking to Reuters, some Somalian TikTok influencers and content creators said they were against the ban. Also read | TikTok banned by New York City on government-owned devices over security concerns One user, Abdulkadir Ali Mohamed, who calls himself Somalia's "TikTok President," said: "The ban on TikTok will make the lights of many homes go off." "Where will we get our daily bread?" he asked. Another user, Halimo Hassan, who sells precious metal gold on TikTok, expressed worry over losing her customers and said: "I urge the government to allow TikTok for the public, but control how it is used in the cultural context of Somalia." (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.

Somalia bans TikTok, Telegram to curb spread of 'constant horrific images and misinformation'

TikTok has filed a lawsuit against the state of Montana challenging the state's decision to ban the app. The move comes after the Montana's Governor signed a legislature last week that barred the app and prohibits Apple and Google app stores from offering it. The ban will take effect next year within the state.

TikTok sues Montana state over app ban, accuses state of violating the commerce clause

Montana became the first US state to ban TikTok from personal devices. Governor Greg Gianforte signed the ban into law on Wednesday. It is due to take effect on 1 January.

Montana becomes first US state to ban TikTok

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed a legislation on Wednesday (May 17) prohibiting Chinese-owned TikTok from operating in the state in order to safeguard people from suspected Chinese intelligence gathering, turning Montana into the first US&nbsp;state to do so.

Montana will make it illegal for Google and Apple's app stores to sell TikTok in the state, but will not penalise users who use its app. The prohibition is set to go into force on January 1, 2024, and it is almost guaranteed to encounter judicial objections, reported Reuters.

TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese tech giant ByteDance, did not reply to Reuters over any&nbsp;legal action that it plans to take.&nbsp;

TikTok previously made a statement claiming that the new legislation "infringes on the First Amendment rights of the people of Montana by unlawfully banning TikTok," and promising to "continue working to defend the rights of our users inside and outside of Montana."

TikTok, which has over 150 million American users, has received increasing requests from politicians and state authorities in the United States to ban the app statewide due to fears about potential Chinese government control over the platform.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/61-per-cent-of-americans-believe-ai-could-threaten-humanity-poll-593450">&nbsp;61 per cent of Americans believe AI could threaten humanity: Poll</a>

<h2>Teenagers use TikTok the most in the US</h2>

The app has grown&nbsp;quite popular among teenagers. According to the Pew Research Centre, 67 per cent&nbsp;of 13- to 17-year-olds in the United States use TikTok, while 16 per cent&nbsp;of all adolescents use the app fairly daily. TikTok claims that the "vast majority" of its users are over the age of 18.

In March, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was interrogated by a congressional committee about whether the Chinese government could access user data or affect what Americans saw on the platform. However, efforts to prohibit TikTok nationwide or to give the Biden administration greater powers to crack down on or ban TikTok have failed to gain traction in Congress.

The bill, according to Gianforte, will advance "our shared priority of protecting Montanans from Chinese Communist Party surveillance."

TikTok has constantly denied sharing data with the Chinese government and has stated that it would not do so if asked for.&nbsp;

<h2>Does the ban curb free speech?</h2>

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) called the measure "unconstitutional," noting that it will take effect on January 1 if the courts do not intervene.

“With this ban, Governor Gianforte and the Montana legislature have trampled on the free speech of hundreds of thousands of Montanans who use the app to express themselves, gather information, and run their small business in the name of anti-Chinese sentiment,” Keegan Medrano, policy director at the ACLU of Montana, said in a statement.

Several Democratic members of Congress, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and First Amendment organisations such as the American Civil Liberties Union are among TikTok's free speech supporters.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed a legislation on Wednesday (May 17) prohibiting Chinese-owned TikTok from operating in the state in order to safeguard people from suspected Chinese intelligence gathering, turning Montana into the first US state to do so.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed a legislation on Wednesday (May 17) prohibiting Chinese-owned TikTok from operating in the state in order to safeguard people from suspected Chinese intelligence gathering, turning Montana into the first US state to do so. Montana will make it illegal for Google and Apple's app stores to sell TikTok in the state, but will not penalise users who use its app. The prohibition is set to go into force on January 1, 2024, and it is almost guaranteed to encounter judicial objections, reported Reuters. TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese tech giant ByteDance, did not reply to Reuters over any legal action that it plans to take. TikTok previously made a statement claiming that the new legislation "infringes on the First Amendment rights of the people of Montana by unlawfully banning TikTok," and promising to "continue working to defend the rights of our users inside and outside of Montana." TikTok, which has over 150 million American users, has received increasing requests from politicians and state authorities in the United States to ban the app statewide due to fears about potential Chinese government control over the platform. ALSO READ | 61 per cent of Americans believe AI could threaten humanity: Poll Teenagers use TikTok the most in the US The app has grown quite popular among teenagers. According to the Pew Research Centre, 67 per cent of 13- to 17-year-olds in the United States use TikTok, while 16 per cent of all adolescents use the app fairly daily. TikTok claims that the "vast majority" of its users are over the age of 18. In March, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was interrogated by a congressional committee about whether the Chinese government could access user data or affect what Americans saw on the platform. However, efforts to prohibit TikTok nationwide or to give the Biden administration greater powers to crack down on or ban TikTok have failed to gain traction in Congress. The bill, according to Gianforte, will advance "our shared priority of protecting Montanans from Chinese Communist Party surveillance." TikTok has constantly denied sharing data with the Chinese government and has stated that it would not do so if asked for. Does the ban curb free speech? The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) called the measure "unconstitutional," noting that it will take effect on January 1 if the courts do not intervene. “With this ban, Governor Gianforte and the Montana legislature have trampled on the free speech of hundreds of thousands of Montanans who use the app to express themselves, gather information, and run their small business in the name of anti-Chinese sentiment,” Keegan Medrano, policy director at the ACLU of Montana, said in a statement. Several Democratic members of Congress, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and First Amendment organisations such as the American Civil Liberties Union are among TikTok's free speech supporters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Montana becomes first US state to ban TikTok, free speech supporters call move 'unconstitutional'

The state of Montana in the western US moved closer to a complete ban on TikTok as the proposal passed a key hurdle in legislature. If the proposal is enacted, the law would be an unprecedented step towards national ban on TikTok. It would test the legal waters. Washington is increasingly calling for such a ban on the Chinese-owned social media app over security concerns.

Montana's Republican-dominated lower house overwhelmingly voted for a complete ban, with a final vote set for Friday before it goes to the state's governor to become law.

It passed by 60 votes for and 39 against.

TikTok said US courts would likely have the final word.

"The bill's champions have admitted that they have no feasible plan for operationalising this attempt to censor American voices and that the bill's constitutionality will be decided by the courts," TikTok spokeswoman Brooke Oberwetter said in response to an AFP inquiry.

"We will continue to fight for TikTok users and creators in Montana whose livelihoods and First Amendment rights are threatened by this egregious government overreach."

TikTok is facing ultimatum from White House that it split from its Chinese owners or stop operating in the US.

"We are facing a threat unlike any other from the Chinese Communist Party hiding behind TikTok where they can spy on Americans by collecting personal information by keystrokes and even user locations," said Representative Brandon Ler, defending the Montana bill.

Under the proposed law, Apple and Google would have to remove TikTok from their app stores and companies will face daily fines of $10,000 if found in violation.

The proposed ban would take effect in 2024, but faces almost certain legal challenges, given its unprecedented nature in the United States, possibly going all the way to the Supreme Court in Washington.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The state of Montana in the western US moved closer to a complete ban on TikTok as the proposal passed a key hurdle in legislature. If the proposal is enacted, the law would be an unprecedented step towards national ban on TikTok.

The state of Montana in the western US moved closer to a complete ban on TikTok as the proposal passed a key hurdle in legislature. If the proposal is enacted, the law would be an unprecedented step towards national ban on TikTok. It would test the legal waters. Washington is increasingly calling for such a ban on the Chinese-owned social media app over security concerns. Montana's Republican-dominated lower house overwhelmingly voted for a complete ban, with a final vote set for Friday before it goes to the state's governor to become law. It passed by 60 votes for and 39 against. TikTok said US courts would likely have the final word. "The bill's champions have admitted that they have no feasible plan for operationalising this attempt to censor American voices and that the bill's constitutionality will be decided by the courts," TikTok spokeswoman Brooke Oberwetter said in response to an AFP inquiry. "We will continue to fight for TikTok users and creators in Montana whose livelihoods and First Amendment rights are threatened by this egregious government overreach." TikTok is facing ultimatum from White House that it split from its Chinese owners or stop operating in the US. "We are facing a threat unlike any other from the Chinese Communist Party hiding behind TikTok where they can spy on Americans by collecting personal information by keystrokes and even user locations," said Representative Brandon Ler, defending the Montana bill. Under the proposed law, Apple and Google would have to remove TikTok from their app stores and companies will face daily fines of $10,000 if found in violation. The proposed ban would take effect in 2024, but faces almost certain legal challenges, given its unprecedented nature in the United States, possibly going all the way to the Supreme Court in Washington. (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 ×

US: Montana moves closer to total ban on TikTok with 60-39 vote

US President Joe Biden is reaching out to influencers with significant following on social media platforms including TikTok to promote his political message and increase his popularity amoung young americans, who will cast their vote in 2024 elections, as per a report.&nbsp;But this is utterly ironical because it is Biden administration only who is leading a war on TikTok seeking a blanket ban on the application.&nbsp;The Biden administration argued that the app could be used to collect data on American citizens and that the Chinese government could potentially access this data.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/is-there-a-medicine-to-stop-this-naz-founder-anjali-gopalan-shares-internal-battles-homosexuals-fight-580795">'Is there a medicine to stop this...?' Indian activist Anjali Gopalan shares internal battles homosexuals fight</a>

Out of concerns that platform has linkages&nbsp;to the Chinese government which&nbsp;may have access to US&nbsp;users'&nbsp;data, the White House supported a&nbsp;legislation that would forcibly prohibit TikTok or require its sale.&nbsp;Concerns about TikTok's ownership and data privacy continues to be raised by Biden administration.&nbsp;

<h2>What is Biden's digital strategy?&nbsp;</h2>

Now, the plan is to to reach out voters between the ages of 18 and 29 who don't follow the White House or the Democratic Party on various online platforms. As per president Biden's digital strategy team, it is in contact with hundreds of such influencers across the nation.&nbsp;These individuals would promote and endorse Biden's performance during his tenure in the Oval office. &nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-massive-fire-engulfs-faith-lutheran-church-in-cambridge-after-easter-service-580818">Massive fire engulfs Faith Lutheran Church in Cambridge after Easter service</a>

Rob Flaherty, a White House employee who will oversee four digital staff members, is said to be leading the initiative. He just received the title of assistant to the president, which is equivalent to that of press secretary and communication director.

The report said it is extremely important for Biden to win over young voters. These unpaid social media influencers may have access to a briefing room inside the White House where they could work on-site or remotely, added&nbsp;Axios report.&nbsp;

Watch | President Vladimir Putin may visit India for G20 summit ?

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“We actually asked the White House, ‘When are we going to get press briefing passes,’” 20-year-old TikToker Harry Sisson told the media outlet. “They were actually were very responsive to it.”

The NYU student reports briefly on the day's major news events on TikTok. She He has amassed more than 663,000 followers on the popular short-video platform.&nbsp;

Additionally, another White House plan is to connect with influencers who have a local following when Biden visits a particular state.&nbsp;

“We’re trying to reach young people, but also moms who use different platforms to get information and climate activists and people whose main way of getting information is digital,” White House Deputy Chief of Staff Jen O’Malley told Axios.

The strategy adds up as former US President Donald Trump who has also thrown his hat in the ring for the next presidential elections in 2024&nbsp;has a large social media following on several platforms.&nbsp;

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US President Joe Biden is reaching out to influencers with significant following on social media platforms including TikTok to promote his political message and increase his popularity amoung young americans, who will cast their vote in 2024 elections, as per a report.

US President Joe Biden is reaching out to influencers with significant following on social media platforms including TikTok to promote his political message and increase his popularity amoung young americans, who will cast their vote in 2024 elections, as per a report. But this is utterly ironical because it is Biden administration only who is leading a war on TikTok seeking a blanket ban on the application. The Biden administration argued that the app could be used to collect data on American citizens and that the Chinese government could potentially access this data. Also Read | 'Is there a medicine to stop this...?' Indian activist Anjali Gopalan shares internal battles homosexuals fight Out of concerns that platform has linkages to the Chinese government which may have access to US users' data, the White House supported a legislation that would forcibly prohibit TikTok or require its sale. Concerns about TikTok's ownership and data privacy continues to be raised by Biden administration. What is Biden's digital strategy? Now, the plan is to to reach out voters between the ages of 18 and 29 who don't follow the White House or the Democratic Party on various online platforms. As per president Biden's digital strategy team, it is in contact with hundreds of such influencers across the nation. These individuals would promote and endorse Biden's performance during his tenure in the Oval office. Also Read | Massive fire engulfs Faith Lutheran Church in Cambridge after Easter service Rob Flaherty, a White House employee who will oversee four digital staff members, is said to be leading the initiative. He just received the title of assistant to the president, which is equivalent to that of press secretary and communication director. The report said it is extremely important for Biden to win over young voters. These unpaid social media influencers may have access to a briefing room inside the White House where they could work on-site or remotely, added Axios report. Watch | President Vladimir Putin may visit India for G20 summit ? × “We actually asked the White House, ‘When are we going to get press briefing passes,’” 20-year-old TikToker Harry Sisson told the media outlet. “They were actually were very responsive to it.” The NYU student reports briefly on the day's major news events on TikTok. She He has amassed more than 663,000 followers on the popular short-video platform. Additionally, another White House plan is to connect with influencers who have a local following when Biden visits a particular state. “We’re trying to reach young people, but also moms who use different platforms to get information and climate activists and people whose main way of getting information is digital,” White House Deputy Chief of Staff Jen O’Malley told Axios. The strategy adds up as former US President Donald Trump who has also thrown his hat in the ring for the next presidential elections in 2024 has a large social media following on several platforms. 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.

What an irony! Biden turns to TikTok to win young voters after US' crackdown on app

Days after Australia announced it was banning TikTok on government devices in the country, China's commerce ministry has released a statement saying the decision was 'discriminatory' — one that harmed the interest of Australian businesses.

Days after Australia announced it was banning TikTok on government devices in the country, China's commerce ministry has released a statement saying the decision was 'discriminatory' — one that harmed the interest of Australian businesses. It urged Canberra to look into the matter again and treat all firms fairly. "Australia treated TikTok differently from other social media platforms and adopted discriminatory restrictive measures, which are not conducive to maintaining Australia's national security," read the statement. "We urge the Australian side to earnestly abide by the rules of the market economy and the principles of fair competition, and provide Chinese companies with a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment." ALSO READ | Australia to ban TikTok on government devices: Reports Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing had "lodged stern representations with the Australian side". Notably, earlier this week, reports stated that Australia had joined the likes of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand amongst others in banning the short-video app. Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus informed the decision was taken after receiving advice from the country's intelligence agencies. "TikTok poses significant security and privacy risks to non-corporate commonwealth entities arising from extensive collection of user data and exposure to extrajudicial directions from a foreign government that conflict with Australian law," read Australia's protective security direction. WATCH | Australia to ban TikTok on government devices: Reports × TikTok Australia's General Manager Lee Hunter in a statement said that the company was “extremely disappointed” by the decision if confirmed. “We stress that there is no evidence to suggest that TikTok is in any way a security risk to Australians and should not be treated differently to other social media platforms,” said Hunter, as per media reports. ALSO READ | US lawmakers to go ahead with the proposal banning TikTok use nationwide In December last year, TikTok acknowledged that it has knowingly collected user data to spy on journalists. India was one of the first countries to issue a blanket ban on the Chinese app. Since then, more and more countries have joined the bandwagon and booted TikTok out. Last month, US lawmakers said they were moving forward with the plan to impose a nationwide ban on the app, having already banned it on federal devices. Kevin McCarthy, the US House of Representatives speaker said the lawmakers were moving ahead to address the national security concerns posed by the app, alleging that the Chinese government had access to users' data. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘Australia treated TikTok...’: China requests fair treatment after app is banned

Australia will soon join the list of countries which have banned TikTok on government devices, reported the Australian media, late Monday (April 3). The ban follows other countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and so on, who have also recently banned the Chinese-owned short video app.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reportedly agreed to impose a ban on the use of TikTok on government devices following a&nbsp;security&nbsp;review by the Department of Home Affairs, reported The Australian, as per Reuters. An announcement about the same is expected sometime this week, said the media reports. &nbsp;

According to The Age newspaper, based in the city of Melbourne, Victoria state will also ban TikTok from government phones, citing a state government official as saying Victoria would follow the federal government’s guidance on the matter. Meanwhile, Tiktok Australia general manager Lee Hunter in a statement said that the company is “extremely disappointed” by the decision if confirmed.&nbsp;

He added that they were also disappointed to learn about the possible decision from the media “despite our repeated offers to engage with government constructively about this policy.”&nbsp;

“We stress that there is no evidence to suggest that TikTok is in any way a security risk to Australians and should not be treated differently to other social media platforms,” said Hunter, as per media reports.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, reports also suggest that TikTok is considering separation from parent company ByteDance as it is under scrutiny in the US over the app and the alleged national security risks it poses, said a report last month.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Australia will soon join the list of countries which have banned TikTok on government devices, reported the Australian media, late Monday (April 3). The ban follows other countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and so on, who have also recently banned the Chinese-owned short video app.

Australia will soon join the list of countries which have banned TikTok on government devices, reported the Australian media, late Monday (April 3). The ban follows other countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and so on, who have also recently banned the Chinese-owned short video app. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reportedly agreed to impose a ban on the use of TikTok on government devices following a security review by the Department of Home Affairs, reported The Australian, as per Reuters. An announcement about the same is expected sometime this week, said the media reports. According to The Age newspaper, based in the city of Melbourne, Victoria state will also ban TikTok from government phones, citing a state government official as saying Victoria would follow the federal government’s guidance on the matter. Meanwhile, Tiktok Australia general manager Lee Hunter in a statement said that the company is “extremely disappointed” by the decision if confirmed. He added that they were also disappointed to learn about the possible decision from the media “despite our repeated offers to engage with government constructively about this policy.” “We stress that there is no evidence to suggest that TikTok is in any way a security risk to Australians and should not be treated differently to other social media platforms,” said Hunter, as per media reports. Meanwhile, reports also suggest that TikTok is considering separation from parent company ByteDance as it is under scrutiny in the US over the app and the alleged national security risks it poses, said a report last month. (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.

Australia to ban TikTok on government devices: Reports

TikTok's possible ban in the United States was blocked by US Republican Senator Rand Paul on&nbsp;Wednesday. Senator Paul, as per Reuters, blocked the&nbsp;bid to fast-track the Chinese-owned social media app's ban, citing concerns about free speech. He&nbsp;warned that people should "beware" of entities that "use fear to coax Americans to relinquish our liberties" and said that a ban on the app will imitate "Chinese speech bans." Asking if the US is "going to be just like China", Paul&nbsp;alleged that such a bill would give the US president "limitless authority" to ban speech.

"If Republicans want to continuously lose elections for a generation they should pass this bill to ban TikTok — a social media app used by 150 million people, primarily young Americans," said Paul on the Senate floor.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;US: Legislation to address SECURITY WORRIES about TikTok

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"Do we really want to emulate Chinese speech bans?... We're going to be just like China and ban speech we're afraid of?" he questioned.

Paul&nbsp;is just one among many; recently a growing number of conservatives and democrats have come out in opposition&nbsp;or have raised concerns about the RESTRICT Act. Free speech groups like the American Civil Liberties Union are also against the TikTok ban.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-ceo-shou-zi-chew-assures-us-lawmakers-legacy-data-will-be-deleted-this-year-575125">TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew assures US lawmakers 'legacy' data will be deleted this year</a>

Those in opposition cite free speech and other issues and have objected to the legislation targeting TikTok as overly broad.

Former Republican Representative Justin Amash claims that the "RESTRICT Act isn’t about banning TikTok; it’s about controlling you. It gives broad powers to the executive branch, with few checks, and will be abused in every way you can imagine."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-to-go-ahead-with-the-proposal-banning-tiktok-use-nationwide-576555">US lawmakers to go ahead with the proposal banning TikTok use nationwide</a>

Similarly, Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a TikTok video posted on Friday opposed a TikTok ban. Calling it "unprecedented", she said Congress has not seen classified TikTok briefings.&nbsp;"It just doesn't feel right to me," she added.

The RESTRICT Act is the brain-child of a Democrat and a Republican. Senators Mark Warner, a Democrat, and John Thune, a Republican, have proposed the Act. The ban now has 22 Senate co-sponsors. If enacted, it will give the US Commerce Department the authority to impose limits, and if needed, completely ban TikTok and other technologies that could in its opinion pose&nbsp;a security issue.&nbsp;Reuters reported that the new rule would be applicable to technologies from China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, Venezuela and Cuba.

(With inputs from agencies)

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TikTok's possible ban in the United States was blocked by US Republican Senator Rand Paul on Wednesday. Senator Paul, as per Reuters, blocked the bid to fast-track the Chinese-owned social media app's ban, citing concerns about free speech.

TikTok's possible ban in the United States was blocked by US Republican Senator Rand Paul on Wednesday. Senator Paul, as per Reuters, blocked the bid to fast-track the Chinese-owned social media app's ban, citing concerns about free speech. He warned that people should "beware" of entities that "use fear to coax Americans to relinquish our liberties" and said that a ban on the app will imitate "Chinese speech bans." Asking if the US is "going to be just like China", Paul alleged that such a bill would give the US president "limitless authority" to ban speech. "If Republicans want to continuously lose elections for a generation they should pass this bill to ban TikTok — a social media app used by 150 million people, primarily young Americans," said Paul on the Senate floor. Watch | US: Legislation to address SECURITY WORRIES about TikTok "Do we really want to emulate Chinese speech bans?... We're going to be just like China and ban speech we're afraid of?" he questioned. Paul is just one among many; recently a growing number of conservatives and democrats have come out in opposition or have raised concerns about the RESTRICT Act. Free speech groups like the American Civil Liberties Union are also against the TikTok ban. Also read | TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew assures US lawmakers 'legacy' data will be deleted this year Those in opposition cite free speech and other issues and have objected to the legislation targeting TikTok as overly broad. Former Republican Representative Justin Amash claims that the "RESTRICT Act isn’t about banning TikTok; it’s about controlling you. It gives broad powers to the executive branch, with few checks, and will be abused in every way you can imagine." Also read | US lawmakers to go ahead with the proposal banning TikTok use nationwide Similarly, Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a TikTok video posted on Friday opposed a TikTok ban. Calling it "unprecedented", she said Congress has not seen classified TikTok briefings. "It just doesn't feel right to me," she added. The RESTRICT Act is the brain-child of a Democrat and a Republican. Senators Mark Warner, a Democrat, and John Thune, a Republican, have proposed the Act. The ban now has 22 Senate co-sponsors. If enacted, it will give the US Commerce Department the authority to impose limits, and if needed, completely ban TikTok and other technologies that could in its opinion pose a security issue. Reuters reported that the new rule would be applicable to technologies from China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, Venezuela and Cuba. (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.

Republican Rand Paul blocks TikTok ban, asks if US is 'going to be just like China' and block free speech

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew’s testimony before a US congressional hearing that lasted&nbsp;for almost five hours was gruelling and relentless.&nbsp;He faced a volley of questions over security concerns and the potential Chinese government’s influence.

This was Chow’s first-ever appearance before the US lawmakers as the TikTok CEO. The hearing witnessed a rare bipartisan call for banning the app on Thursday even as the 40-year-old tried to assuage their concerns saying, “Let me state this unequivocally: ByteDance is not an agent of China or any other country.”

But the lawmakers kept raising the heat as they wanted to know whether the Chinese government had access to TikTok’s millions of users’ data.

During her line of questioning, US lawmaker Debbie Lesko quoted India and other countries that have recently banned TikTok in some form.

"This (TikTok) is a tool which is ultimately under the control of the Chinese government and screams out with national security concerns Mr Chew. How can all of these countries and our FBI director be wrong? asked Lesko.

To which Chew responded, “I think a lot of risks pointed out are hypothetical and theoretical risks. I have not seen any evidence."

<h2>TikTok CEO grilled over alleged China ties by US lawmakers for 5 hours</h2>

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The US lawmaker reiterated and stressed the India ban again.

"India banned TikTok in 2020. On March 21, a Forbes article revealed how data of Indian citizens who used TikTok remained accessible to employees at the company and its Beijing-based parent. A current TikTok employee told Forbes that nearly anyone with basic access to company tools can easily look up the closest contact and other sensitive information about any user," Lesko informed her colleagues.

Chew responded by saying that they are looking into the testimony of the TikTok employee quoted by Forbes and asserted that he disagrees with the conclusions drawn from that article.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-users-descend-on-us-capitol-to-protest-against-calls-for-ban-on-app-574916">TikTok users descend on US Capitol to protest against calls for ban on app</a>

"This is a recent article; I have asked my team to look into it. We have rigorous data access protocols. There is no such thing that anybody can access the tools. So, I disagree with a lot of the conclusions," Chew said.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-ceo-shou-zi-chew-assures-us-lawmakers-legacy-data-will-be-deleted-this-year-575125">TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew assures US lawmakers 'legacy' data will be deleted this year</a>

In 2020, India banned TikTok and dozens of other Chinese apps over privacy and security concerns. The ban was imposed shortly after a clash between Indian and Chinese troops at the Ladakh border in Galwan Valley LAC where 20 Indian soldiers were killed.

The companies were given a chance to respond to questions on privacy and security requirements but the ban was made permanent in January 2021.

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TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew’s testimony before a US congressional hearing that lasted for almost five hours was gruelling and relentless. He faced a volley of questions over security concerns and the potential Chinese government’s influence.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew’s testimony before a US congressional hearing that lasted for almost five hours was gruelling and relentless. He faced a volley of questions over security concerns and the potential Chinese government’s influence. This was Chow’s first-ever appearance before the US lawmakers as the TikTok CEO. The hearing witnessed a rare bipartisan call for banning the app on Thursday even as the 40-year-old tried to assuage their concerns saying, “Let me state this unequivocally: ByteDance is not an agent of China or any other country.” But the lawmakers kept raising the heat as they wanted to know whether the Chinese government had access to TikTok’s millions of users’ data. During her line of questioning, US lawmaker Debbie Lesko quoted India and other countries that have recently banned TikTok in some form. "This (TikTok) is a tool which is ultimately under the control of the Chinese government and screams out with national security concerns Mr Chew. How can all of these countries and our FBI director be wrong? asked Lesko. To which Chew responded, “I think a lot of risks pointed out are hypothetical and theoretical risks. I have not seen any evidence." TikTok CEO grilled over alleged China ties by US lawmakers for 5 hours The US lawmaker reiterated and stressed the India ban again. "India banned TikTok in 2020. On March 21, a Forbes article revealed how data of Indian citizens who used TikTok remained accessible to employees at the company and its Beijing-based parent. A current TikTok employee told Forbes that nearly anyone with basic access to company tools can easily look up the closest contact and other sensitive information about any user," Lesko informed her colleagues. Chew responded by saying that they are looking into the testimony of the TikTok employee quoted by Forbes and asserted that he disagrees with the conclusions drawn from that article. Also read | TikTok users descend on US Capitol to protest against calls for ban on app "This is a recent article; I have asked my team to look into it. We have rigorous data access protocols. There is no such thing that anybody can access the tools. So, I disagree with a lot of the conclusions," Chew said. Also read | TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew assures US lawmakers 'legacy' data will be deleted this year In 2020, India banned TikTok and dozens of other Chinese apps over privacy and security concerns. The ban was imposed shortly after a clash between Indian and Chinese troops at the Ladakh border in Galwan Valley LAC where 20 Indian soldiers were killed. The companies were given a chance to respond to questions on privacy and security requirements but the ban was made permanent in January 2021. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘No evidence, hypothetical’: TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew on India’s reasons to ban app

A report by the news agency AFP citing a ministerial source said that France, as of Friday (March 24) has banned public sector employees from downloading “recreational applications” including the Chinese-owned TikTok on their work phones. This comes after a number of countries in the West have banned the short video-sharing app from phones particularly those with access to its lawmakers citing national and cybersecurity concerns.&nbsp;

The ban also follows restrictions placed in European countries, “the government has decided from now on to ban the downloading and installation of recreational applications on professional telephones given to public servants,” said the public services ministry, reported AFP.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-are-countries-banning-tiktok-573111">Explained: Why are countries banning TikTok?</a>

It added, “Recreational applications do not present sufficient levels of cybersecurity and data protection to be deployed on administrative equipment”. The European Commission and countries like the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and recently New Zealand have told government officials that they cannot use TikTok on work devices over fears of its ties to the Chinese government.&nbsp;

The anonymous source also told AFP, that the ban would include, “game apps like Candy Crush, streaming apps like Netflix and recreational apps like TikTok”. However, Beijing has recently said that it does not ask companies to hand over data gathered overseas.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-who-is-shou-zi-chew-the-tiktok-ceo-attempting-to-save-its-us-operations-574876">EXPLAINED | Who is Shou Zi Chew? TikTok CEO attempting to save its US operations</a>

China has “never and will not require companies or individuals to collect or provide data located in a foreign country, in a way that violates local law,” said China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, on Friday. But the firm had previously reportedly acknowledged that some of its employees in Beijing could access European user data while insisting that the Chinese government has no control over or access to its data.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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A report by the news agency AFP citing a ministerial source said that France, as of Friday (March 24) has banned public sector employees from downloading “recreational applications” including the Chinese-owned TikTok on their work phones.

A report by the news agency AFP citing a ministerial source said that France, as of Friday (March 24) has banned public sector employees from downloading “recreational applications” including the Chinese-owned TikTok on their work phones. This comes after a number of countries in the West have banned the short video-sharing app from phones particularly those with access to its lawmakers citing national and cybersecurity concerns. The ban also follows restrictions placed in European countries, “the government has decided from now on to ban the downloading and installation of recreational applications on professional telephones given to public servants,” said the public services ministry, reported AFP. ALSO READ | Explained: Why are countries banning TikTok? It added, “Recreational applications do not present sufficient levels of cybersecurity and data protection to be deployed on administrative equipment”. The European Commission and countries like the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and recently New Zealand have told government officials that they cannot use TikTok on work devices over fears of its ties to the Chinese government. The anonymous source also told AFP, that the ban would include, “game apps like Candy Crush, streaming apps like Netflix and recreational apps like TikTok”. However, Beijing has recently said that it does not ask companies to hand over data gathered overseas. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED | Who is Shou Zi Chew? TikTok CEO attempting to save its US operations China has “never and will not require companies or individuals to collect or provide data located in a foreign country, in a way that violates local law,” said China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, on Friday. But the firm had previously reportedly acknowledged that some of its employees in Beijing could access European user data while insisting that the Chinese government has no control over or access to its data. (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.

France bans ‘recreational’ apps like TikTok from public sector employees’ work phones

TikTok chief Shou Zi Chew on Thursday faced relentless questioning at the hands of US lawmakers over the video-sharing application's alleged ties to China and the danger it poses to teens. Faced with intense grilling by both Democrats ad Republicans, Chew addressed "concerns about the potential for unwanted foreign access to US data." He said that the company has addressed the concerns with "real action" for the past two years and that TikTok has "legacy" US data which will be deleted this year.

"We have legacy US data sitting in our servers in Virginia and in Singapore. We're deleting those and we expect that to be complete this year," he said during the morning session of the House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing.

Watch |&nbsp;TikTok CEO grilled by US lawmakers

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He added that "when that is done, all protected US data will be under the protection of US law and under the control of the US-led security team. This eliminates the concern that some of you have shared with me that TikTok user data can be subject to Chinese law."

The hearing comes as TikTok seeks to survive a White House ultimatum that to avoid getting banned in the United States, the application must&nbsp;split&nbsp;from its Chinese owners.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-parliament-joins-forces-with-government-bans-tiktok-575109">UK parliament joins forces with government, bans TikTok</a>

Chew said that TikTok's parent company ByteDance "is not owned or controlled by the Chinese government and is a private company."

Democrat Congressman Darren Soto, however, reiterated the demand that "TikTok needs to be an American company with American values and end all ties to the Chinese Communist Party."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-users-descend-on-us-capitol-to-protest-against-calls-for-ban-on-app-574916">TikTok users descend on US Capitol to protest against calls for ban on app</a>

TikTok which in America boasts a user base of 150 million faces a ban which, as per AFP, would be an "unprecedented&nbsp;act" on a media company by the US government.&nbsp;

The company, however, still hopes to appease the authorities with its elaborate plan titled "Project Texas," through which it seeks to satisfy national security concerns, under which the handling of US data will be ring-fenced into a US-run division. Lawmakers, however, posed severe doubts and stressed the demand that the application snips its Chinese ties.

(With inputs from agencies)

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TikTok chief Shou Zi Chew on Thursday faced relentless questioning at the hands of US lawmakers over the video-sharing application's alleged ties to China and the danger it poses to teens.

TikTok chief Shou Zi Chew on Thursday faced relentless questioning at the hands of US lawmakers over the video-sharing application's alleged ties to China and the danger it poses to teens. Faced with intense grilling by both Democrats ad Republicans, Chew addressed "concerns about the potential for unwanted foreign access to US data." He said that the company has addressed the concerns with "real action" for the past two years and that TikTok has "legacy" US data which will be deleted this year. "We have legacy US data sitting in our servers in Virginia and in Singapore. We're deleting those and we expect that to be complete this year," he said during the morning session of the House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing. Watch | TikTok CEO grilled by US lawmakers He added that "when that is done, all protected US data will be under the protection of US law and under the control of the US-led security team. This eliminates the concern that some of you have shared with me that TikTok user data can be subject to Chinese law." The hearing comes as TikTok seeks to survive a White House ultimatum that to avoid getting banned in the United States, the application must split from its Chinese owners. Also read | UK parliament joins forces with government, bans TikTok Chew said that TikTok's parent company ByteDance "is not owned or controlled by the Chinese government and is a private company." Democrat Congressman Darren Soto, however, reiterated the demand that "TikTok needs to be an American company with American values and end all ties to the Chinese Communist Party." Also read | TikTok users descend on US Capitol to protest against calls for ban on app TikTok which in America boasts a user base of 150 million faces a ban which, as per AFP, would be an "unprecedented act" on a media company by the US government. The company, however, still hopes to appease the authorities with its elaborate plan titled "Project Texas," through which it seeks to satisfy national security concerns, under which the handling of US data will be ring-fenced into a US-run division. Lawmakers, however, posed severe doubts and stressed the demand that the application snips its Chinese ties. (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 assures US lawmakers 'legacy' data will be deleted this year

Shou Zi Chew, the CEO of TikTok, is currently in the spotlight amid growing scepticism of the Chinese app around the world. The app is&nbsp;running the risk of being banned across the United States.

On Thursday (March 23), the 40-year-old Singaporean will testify&nbsp;before the US House Energy and Commerce Committee on&nbsp;the app's data security and privacy policies, as well as its suspected connections to China, reported the BBC.

The public face of TikTok, chief operating officer Vanessa Pappas, was questioned by Congress in 2022 over the alleged flow of the US's&nbsp;data&nbsp;to China.

The company made a point of mentioning that Chew&nbsp;is not from China but rather is "a Singaporean based in Singapore" in a letter sent to MPs last June, underlining that it acts independently of parent company ByteDance.

Chew, who leads one of the best-known apps in the world but is comparatively low profile, will be required to defend TikTok&nbsp;before some of the House Energy and Commerce Committee's more scathing critics.

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, firm launches PR exercise to fix sullied image</a>

In an interview from the firm's WeWork headquarters in Washington, he stated that he does not see Thursday's meeting as a last-ditch attempt to save TikTok's US operations, but rather as an opportunity to explain what the company is attempting to do and to gather feedback from Congress members, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.&nbsp;

"I look at it as an opportunity to do that, not a do-or-die" moment, he said.

<h2>Shou Zi Chew's early days</h2>

Born and raised in Singapore, Chew&nbsp;went to a prestigious Chinese-language&nbsp;school and speaks both&nbsp;Mandarin and English fluently. While completing his military conscription, he held the honourable position of officer in Singapore's armed services.

Prior to enrolling at Harvard Business School, where he earned an MBA and served as an intern at social media giant Facebook when it was still a start-up, Chew graduated from University College London with a Bachelor's in Economics, as per BBC reports.

He reportedly spent five years working for the investment firm DST Global, where he led a team that invested early in ByteDance in 2013.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<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>

Furthermore, he spent two years working as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs.&nbsp;

The Chinese smartphone powerhouse Xiaomi, where&nbsp;Chew later served as its chief financial officer and president of its international business, hired him to lead it through its 2018 IPO.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;TikTok denies transferring data to China, CEO says 'never shared users' data'

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In March 2021, he left the company and joined ByteDance, where he was the first to hold the position of chief financial officer.&nbsp;

He took over as TikTok CEO two months later, after his predecessor Kevin Mayer abruptly resigned due to the Trump administration's efforts to force the sale of TikTok's US assets.

In February 2022, almost a year after assuming charge of the platform, he created his own TikTok account, @shou.time to share snippets of his personal life. Since then, Chew's over 18,000 followers have seen him at the Super Bowl and NBA games, meeting public figures like Bill Murray, and painfully attempting to dance with singer Ciara.&nbsp;

He has worked the media circuit, sharing in interviews his love of golf and admiration for comic Kevin Hart. The father of two, who is married to Vivian Kao, the head of an investment firm, has also stated that he does not let his kids use TikTok because they are "too young."

<h2>Challenging road ahead</h2>

As US politicians demand TikTok transfer control of its US assets or face a ban, Chew is currently faced with one of the biggest challenges of his career.

The issue has also been a source of contention for the Chinese.&nbsp;

The TikTok ban campaign is being driven by a "toxic American political atmosphere," according to an opinion piece published on Tuesday by the state-run Global Times, and it would go against free market principles. TikTok's Chinese origin is considered an&nbsp;"original sin" by US officials and lawmakers, it said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/us-over-two-dozen-state-govts-use-trackers-made-by-tiktoks-parent-company-report-574758">US: Over two dozen state govts use trackers made by TikTok’s parent company, says report</a>

TikTok announced it will hire Oracle Corp. to independently monitor against any intervention from Beijing as part of a billion-dollar investment plan to separate the app from its Chinese owners, reported&nbsp;the Wall Street Journal. The company claims that the procedures represent an unprecedented effort to reassure Americans that their data is secure.&nbsp;

Washington has banned TikTok, despite the fact that it is still quite popular nationwide. On Tuesday,&nbsp;Chew personally addressed US users in a TikTok video, drawing their attention to the potential ban. He claimed in the video that the app has 150 million US&nbsp;users, or nearly half the country's population.

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Shou Zi Chew, the CEO of TikTok, is currently in the spotlight amid growing scepticism of the Chinese app around the world. The app is running the risk of being banned across the United States.

Shou Zi Chew, the CEO of TikTok, is currently in the spotlight amid growing scepticism of the Chinese app around the world. The app is running the risk of being banned across the United States. On Thursday (March 23), the 40-year-old Singaporean will testify before the US House Energy and Commerce Committee on the app's data security and privacy policies, as well as its suspected connections to China, reported the BBC. The public face of TikTok, chief operating officer Vanessa Pappas, was questioned by Congress in 2022 over the alleged flow of the US's data to China. The company made a point of mentioning that Chew is not from China but rather is "a Singaporean based in Singapore" in a letter sent to MPs last June, underlining that it acts independently of parent company ByteDance. Chew, who leads one of the best-known apps in the world but is comparatively low profile, will be required to defend TikTok before some of the House Energy and Commerce Committee's more scathing critics. ALSO READ | TikTok’s monthly active users in US jump to 150mn, firm launches PR exercise to fix sullied image In an interview from the firm's WeWork headquarters in Washington, he stated that he does not see Thursday's meeting as a last-ditch attempt to save TikTok's US operations, but rather as an opportunity to explain what the company is attempting to do and to gather feedback from Congress members, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. "I look at it as an opportunity to do that, not a do-or-die" moment, he said. Shou Zi Chew's early days Born and raised in Singapore, Chew went to a prestigious Chinese-language school and speaks both Mandarin and English fluently. While completing his military conscription, he held the honourable position of officer in Singapore's armed services. Prior to enrolling at Harvard Business School, where he earned an MBA and served as an intern at social media giant Facebook when it was still a start-up, Chew graduated from University College London with a Bachelor's in Economics, as per BBC reports. He reportedly spent five years working for the investment firm DST Global, where he led a team that invested early in ByteDance in 2013. ALSO READ | TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew to testify that app never shared users’ data with Chinese government Furthermore, he spent two years working as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs. The Chinese smartphone powerhouse Xiaomi, where Chew later served as its chief financial officer and president of its international business, hired him to lead it through its 2018 IPO. ALSO WATCH | TikTok denies transferring data to China, CEO says 'never shared users' data' In March 2021, he left the company and joined ByteDance, where he was the first to hold the position of chief financial officer. He took over as TikTok CEO two months later, after his predecessor Kevin Mayer abruptly resigned due to the Trump administration's efforts to force the sale of TikTok's US assets. In February 2022, almost a year after assuming charge of the platform, he created his own TikTok account, @shou.time to share snippets of his personal life. Since then, Chew's over 18,000 followers have seen him at the Super Bowl and NBA games, meeting public figures like Bill Murray, and painfully attempting to dance with singer Ciara. He has worked the media circuit, sharing in interviews his love of golf and admiration for comic Kevin Hart. The father of two, who is married to Vivian Kao, the head of an investment firm, has also stated that he does not let his kids use TikTok because they are "too young." Challenging road ahead As US politicians demand TikTok transfer control of its US assets or face a ban, Chew is currently faced with one of the biggest challenges of his career. The issue has also been a source of contention for the Chinese. The TikTok ban campaign is being driven by a "toxic American political atmosphere," according to an opinion piece published on Tuesday by the state-run Global Times, and it would go against free market principles. TikTok's Chinese origin is considered an "original sin" by US officials and lawmakers, it said. ALSO READ | US: Over two dozen state govts use trackers made by TikTok’s parent company, says report TikTok announced it will hire Oracle Corp. to independently monitor against any intervention from Beijing as part of a billion-dollar investment plan to separate the app from its Chinese owners, reported the Wall Street Journal. The company claims that the procedures represent an unprecedented effort to reassure Americans that their data is secure. Washington has banned TikTok, despite the fact that it is still quite popular nationwide. On Tuesday, Chew personally addressed US users in a TikTok video, drawing their attention to the potential ban. He claimed in the video that the app has 150 million US users, or nearly half the country's population. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

EXPLAINED | Who is Shou Zi Chew? TikTok CEO attempting to save its US operations

A group of content creators on the Chinese video-sharing platform TikTok descended on the US Capitol on Wednesday (March 22) to protest against the calls for a ban on the app. According to a report by the news agency AFP early Thursday, the group of around a dozen teenagers, teachers and business owners rallied at Congress to discuss their opposition to the potential ban (on TikTok) and also draw attention to the benefits of the app on their livelihoods.&nbsp;

An aspiring soapmaking entrepreneur who goes by the username @countrylather2020 on TikTok said that she kind of built her business on the app, and the potential ban somewhat posed problems. "Are there other platforms out there? Absolutely -- I'm on them. But none of them have the reach that TikTok has," she said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-who-is-shou-zi-chew-the-tiktok-ceo-attempting-to-save-its-us-operations-574876">EXPLAINED: &nbsp;Who is Shou Zi Chew? TikTok CEO attempting to save its US operations</a>

Another creator on TikTok Jason Linton, who uses the platform to share videos of his three adopted children and has interacted with people worldwide, opposed the ban. "I am asking our politicians - don't take away the community that we've all built - a community that lasts, that loves," Linton said during a press conference on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Apart from content creators, three Democratic Party lawmakers are also protesting against the ban. Lawmaker Mark Pocan said that a "xenophobic witch hunt" was motivating some in Congress to seek a ban, a report by the news agency Reuters said. "Banning TikTok isn't the answer. Making sure Americans' data is safe is," Pocan added.

Senator Ed Markey, a Democrat leader, said on the Senate floor on Wednesday that TikTok was a threat that needed to be addressed but it was not the only surveillance threat to young people.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/us-over-two-dozen-state-govts-use-trackers-made-by-tiktoks-parent-company-report-574758">US: Over two dozen state govts use trackers made by TikTok’s parent company, says report</a>

American government officials and lawmakers have said that ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, can pass users' data to the Chinese government and are calling for the platform to be removed from app stores unless it is sold to a US firm.&nbsp;

Later on Thursday, TikTok's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) &nbsp;Shou Zi Chew will testify before the House Energy and Commerce Committee and face questions from lawmakers who want to ban the app. On Tuesday, Chew said that TikTok had over &nbsp;150 million active monthly US users, representing almost half of the country's population and up from the 100 million US users it had back in 2020.

"Some politicians have started talking about banning TikTok. Now, this could take TikTok away from all 150 million of you," he said in a video posted on the app.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A group of content creators on the Chinese video-sharing platform TikTok descended on the US Capitol on Wednesday (March 22) to protest against the calls for a ban on the app.

A group of content creators on the Chinese video-sharing platform TikTok descended on the US Capitol on Wednesday (March 22) to protest against the calls for a ban on the app. According to a report by the news agency AFP early Thursday, the group of around a dozen teenagers, teachers and business owners rallied at Congress to discuss their opposition to the potential ban (on TikTok) and also draw attention to the benefits of the app on their livelihoods. An aspiring soapmaking entrepreneur who goes by the username @countrylather2020 on TikTok said that she kind of built her business on the app, and the potential ban somewhat posed problems. "Are there other platforms out there? Absolutely -- I'm on them. But none of them have the reach that TikTok has," she said. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED: Who is Shou Zi Chew? TikTok CEO attempting to save its US operations Another creator on TikTok Jason Linton, who uses the platform to share videos of his three adopted children and has interacted with people worldwide, opposed the ban. "I am asking our politicians - don't take away the community that we've all built - a community that lasts, that loves," Linton said during a press conference on Wednesday. Apart from content creators, three Democratic Party lawmakers are also protesting against the ban. Lawmaker Mark Pocan said that a "xenophobic witch hunt" was motivating some in Congress to seek a ban, a report by the news agency Reuters said. "Banning TikTok isn't the answer. Making sure Americans' data is safe is," Pocan added. Senator Ed Markey, a Democrat leader, said on the Senate floor on Wednesday that TikTok was a threat that needed to be addressed but it was not the only surveillance threat to young people. ALSO READ | US: Over two dozen state govts use trackers made by TikTok’s parent company, says report American government officials and lawmakers have said that ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, can pass users' data to the Chinese government and are calling for the platform to be removed from app stores unless it is sold to a US firm. Later on Thursday, TikTok's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shou Zi Chew will testify before the House Energy and Commerce Committee and face questions from lawmakers who want to ban the app. On Tuesday, Chew said that TikTok had over 150 million active monthly US users, representing almost half of the country's population and up from the 100 million US users it had back in 2020. "Some politicians have started talking about banning TikTok. Now, this could take TikTok away from all 150 million of you," he said in a video posted on the app. (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 users descend on US Capitol to protest against calls for ban on app

Even as TikTok is confronted with a pushback from US government quarters over concerns of app's alleged spying and data sharing, the video hosting platform is reluctant to become irrelevant in the country. As per a latest report by TikTok, the number of users on the platform has&nbsp;seen an uptick and has reached&nbsp;150 million monthly active users in the US.&nbsp;

The application had 100 million monthly active users in 2020. The Chinese application is already thriving in US. It has become the source of many entertaining and viral trends.&nbsp;

The development comes as TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is all set to testify before US House Committee on Energy and Commerce on Thursday.&nbsp;US President Joe Biden in December last year signed a bill banning the Chinese app on devices of federal government employees.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-setback-for-india-fugitive-businessman-mehul-choksi-removed-from-interpol-red-notice-list-574114">In a setback for India, fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi removed from Interpol Red Notice List</a>

The move was taken amid concerns that the app, which is owned by the Chinese company Bytedance, poses a threat to national security.&nbsp;

US government had earlier levelled allegations on TikTok saying that the application shares users' data with the Chinese government, an accusation that the Chinese app has refuted.&nbsp;

As per TikTok data, over one billion people worldwide use the app to learn something new or connect generally with others holding shared interests.&nbsp;Earlier, Biden gave&nbsp;an ultimatum to TikTok saying that the application will face a potential ban unless its Chinese owners divest their stake&nbsp;in it.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-murder-shraddha-walkars-audio-clip-played-in-court-gut-wrenching-accounts-make-father-tremble-574130">Delhi Murder: Shraddha Walkar's audio clip played in court, gut-wrenching accounts make father tremble</a>

Reacting to this, the TikTok spokesperson Maureen Shanahan said, “If protecting national security is the objective, divestment doesn’t solve the problem."&nbsp;

“A change in ownership would not impose any new restrictions on data flows or access. The best way to address concerns about national security is with the transparent, US-based protection of US user data and systems, with robust third-party monitoring, vetting, and verification, which we are already implementing," Shanahan added as per a CNN report.&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-protest-police-fire-tear-gas-on-protestors-574080">France protest: Police fire tear gas on protestors</a>

Before the CEO faces the US congress, TikTok is apparently going out on an all-out PR effort to position itself as an application highly focused on the security of its users' data.&nbsp;

According to a Bloomberg report, the company took out a four-page colour ad in New York Times on Monday. A QR code in the ad takes the person who scans it to a page where a cartoon video elaborates on how the video hosting platform has invested $1.5 billion in security.

The company also gave ads in the Washington Metro system, at Union Station and in the Washington Post along with sponsoring Politico’s Playbook newsletter and Axios’s tech-focused Login newsletter.&nbsp;

Moreover, in what appeared to be company's corporate strategy to distance itself from the Chinese government, TikTok earlier also took out&nbsp;ads in Australian newspapers. As per reports, a TikTok ad in The Australian read the tagline “Don’t make TikTok a political football."

There are also reports suggesting that TikTok has an "army of lobbyists" which is trying to change the opinion of influential people in Washington to avoid a ban on the Chinese app.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
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Even as TikTok is confronted with a pushback from US government quarters over concerns of app's alleged spying and data sharing, the video hosting platform is reluctant to become irrelevant in the country.

Even as TikTok is confronted with a pushback from US government quarters over concerns of app's alleged spying and data sharing, the video hosting platform is reluctant to become irrelevant in the country. As per a latest report by TikTok, the number of users on the platform has seen an uptick and has reached 150 million monthly active users in the US. The application had 100 million monthly active users in 2020. The Chinese application is already thriving in US. It has become the source of many entertaining and viral trends. The development comes as TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is all set to testify before US House Committee on Energy and Commerce on Thursday. US President Joe Biden in December last year signed a bill banning the Chinese app on devices of federal government employees. Also Read | In a setback for India, fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi removed from Interpol Red Notice List The move was taken amid concerns that the app, which is owned by the Chinese company Bytedance, poses a threat to national security. US government had earlier levelled allegations on TikTok saying that the application shares users' data with the Chinese government, an accusation that the Chinese app has refuted. As per TikTok data, over one billion people worldwide use the app to learn something new or connect generally with others holding shared interests. Earlier, Biden gave an ultimatum to TikTok saying that the application will face a potential ban unless its Chinese owners divest their stake in it. Also Read | Delhi Murder: Shraddha Walkar's audio clip played in court, gut-wrenching accounts make father tremble Reacting to this, the TikTok spokesperson Maureen Shanahan said, “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. The best way to address concerns about national security is with the transparent, US-based protection of US user data and systems, with robust third-party monitoring, vetting, and verification, which we are already implementing," Shanahan added as per a CNN report. Watch | France protest: Police fire tear gas on protestors Before the CEO faces the US congress, TikTok is apparently going out on an all-out PR effort to position itself as an application highly focused on the security of its users' data. According to a Bloomberg report, the company took out a four-page colour ad in New York Times on Monday. A QR code in the ad takes the person who scans it to a page where a cartoon video elaborates on how the video hosting platform has invested $1.5 billion in security. The company also gave ads in the Washington Metro system, at Union Station and in the Washington Post along with sponsoring Politico’s Playbook newsletter and Axios’s tech-focused Login newsletter. Moreover, in what appeared to be company's corporate strategy to distance itself from the Chinese government, TikTok earlier also took out ads in Australian newspapers. As per reports, a TikTok ad in The Australian read the tagline “Don’t make TikTok a political football." There are also reports suggesting that TikTok has an "army of lobbyists" which is trying to change the opinion of influential people in Washington to avoid a ban on the Chinese app. (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’s monthly active users in US jump to 150mn, firm launches PR exercise to fix sullied image

British broadcaster BBC has urged its staff to delete TikTok from corporate mobile phones due to privacy and security concerns about the Chinese-owned video sharing app.&nbsp;

UK-based media outlets reported that BBC staff received a guidance on Sunday, which read: "We don't recommend installing TikTok on a BBC corporate device unless there is a justified business reason. If you do not need TikTok for business reasons, TikTok should be deleted."&nbsp;

This comes days after the UK announced a ban on TikTok on government devices. The decision was in line with similar actions by European Union, the United States and New Zealand. India had entirely banned the app.

UK Cabinet Office minister Oliver Dowden told parliament, "We are going to ban the use of TikTok on government devices. We will do so with immediate effect."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/tiktoks-lesser-known-sibling-capcut-making-waves-in-video-editing-world-573795">TikTok’s lesser-known sibling, CapCut, making waves in US. But is it safe?</a>&nbsp;

There are growing concerns over data security risks as several experts pointed out that the app might be used to promote pro-China views and illegally gather data of users.&nbsp;

As quoted, the BBC guidance further noted: "The decision is based on concerns raised by government authorities worldwide regarding data privacy and security."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;After UK, New Zealand to ban TIKTOK app on government devices&nbsp;

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It is also reported that the broadcaster has asked the employees who have TikTok on their phones and use the same device for official work, to reach out to the information security team of the company to get the details and discuss "the type of BBC information that you are working with".&nbsp;

As quoted, a BBC spokesperson said: "The BBC takes the safety and security of our systems, data and people incredibly seriously. We constantly review activity on third-party platforms – including TikTok – and will continue to do so."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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British broadcaster BBC has urged its staff to delete TikTok from corporate mobile phones due to privacy and security concerns about the Chinese-owned video sharing app.

British broadcaster BBC has urged its staff to delete TikTok from corporate mobile phones due to privacy and security concerns about the Chinese-owned video sharing app. UK-based media outlets reported that BBC staff received a guidance on Sunday, which read: "We don't recommend installing TikTok on a BBC corporate device unless there is a justified business reason. If you do not need TikTok for business reasons, TikTok should be deleted." This comes days after the UK announced a ban on TikTok on government devices. The decision was in line with similar actions by European Union, the United States and New Zealand. India had entirely banned the app. UK Cabinet Office minister Oliver Dowden told parliament, "We are going to ban the use of TikTok on government devices. We will do so with immediate effect." ALSO READ | TikTok’s lesser-known sibling, CapCut, making waves in US. But is it safe? There are growing concerns over data security risks as several experts pointed out that the app might be used to promote pro-China views and illegally gather data of users. As quoted, the BBC guidance further noted: "The decision is based on concerns raised by government authorities worldwide regarding data privacy and security." WATCH | After UK, New Zealand to ban TIKTOK app on government devices × It is also reported that the broadcaster has asked the employees who have TikTok on their phones and use the same device for official work, to reach out to the information security team of the company to get the details and discuss "the type of BBC information that you are working with". As quoted, a BBC spokesperson said: "The BBC takes the safety and security of our systems, data and people incredibly seriously. We constantly review activity on third-party platforms – including TikTok – and will continue to do so." (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.

BBC asks staff to delete TikTok from mobile phones over privacy and security concerns

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?

The popular video app TikTok, which has over 100 million users in the US, could be facing a possible ban by the Biden administration if its Chinese owners do not divest their stake in the company.&nbsp;

This move comes amid growing concerns from US officials and legislators that TikTok's user data could be passed on to the Chinese government. The Trump administration attempted to ban TikTok in 2020 but was prevented from doing so by court rulings.&nbsp;

TikTok's Chief Executive, Shou Zi Chew, is due to appear before Congress next week to address these concerns.&nbsp;

The company has been negotiating with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) for over two years on data security requirements and claims to have spent more than $1.5 billion on rigorous data security efforts.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tiktok-mulls-over-separation-from-parent-company-bytedance-572290">TikTok mulls separation from parent company ByteDance if US officials don’t approve proposal</a>

TikTok has also rejected allegations of spying.

However, if protecting national security is the objective, divestment may not solve the problem, according to a statement by TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter.&nbsp;

She said that a change in ownership would not impose any new restrictions on data flows or access.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;TikTok in the US: TikTok's attempts to reassure government, security concerns surrounding the app

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TikTok thinks that the best way to deal with worries about national security is to protect US user data and systems in a clear, US-based way, with strong third-party monitoring, vetting, and verification.

There would be several legal obstacles in the way of a hypothetical TikTok ban in the US.&nbsp;

The Treasury-led Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States made the most recent sale request to TikTok, according to the Wall Street Journal.A Treasury representative, however, declined to offer any additional insight.

TikTok's future in the US is still in doubt because of the scrutiny the company continues to endure regarding its data security procedures.&nbsp;

It's not clear how TikTok will handle these problems or if a ban will be put in place, since its CEO is going to testify before Congress the week after that.&nbsp;

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The popular video app TikTok, which has over 100 million users in the US, could be facing a possible ban by the Biden administration if its Chinese owners do not divest their stake in the company.

The popular video app TikTok, which has over 100 million users in the US, could be facing a possible ban by the Biden administration if its Chinese owners do not divest their stake in the company. This move comes amid growing concerns from US officials and legislators that TikTok's user data could be passed on to the Chinese government. The Trump administration attempted to ban TikTok in 2020 but was prevented from doing so by court rulings. TikTok's Chief Executive, Shou Zi Chew, is due to appear before Congress next week to address these concerns. The company has been negotiating with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) for over two years on data security requirements and claims to have spent more than $1.5 billion on rigorous data security efforts. ALSO READ | TikTok mulls separation from parent company ByteDance if US officials don’t approve proposal TikTok has also rejected allegations of spying. However, if protecting national security is the objective, divestment may not solve the problem, according to a statement by TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter. She said that a change in ownership would not impose any new restrictions on data flows or access. ALSO WATCH | TikTok in the US: TikTok's attempts to reassure government, security concerns surrounding the app × TikTok thinks that the best way to deal with worries about national security is to protect US user data and systems in a clear, US-based way, with strong third-party monitoring, vetting, and verification. There would be several legal obstacles in the way of a hypothetical TikTok ban in the US. The Treasury-led Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States made the most recent sale request to TikTok, according to the Wall Street Journal.A Treasury representative, however, declined to offer any additional insight. TikTok's future in the US is still in doubt because of the scrutiny the company continues to endure regarding its data security procedures. It's not clear how TikTok will handle these problems or if a ban will be put in place, since its CEO is going to testify before Congress the week after that. 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 Dilemma: Chinese stake vs. potential ban in the US

Rishi Sunak has indicated that the UK could follow the U.S. and Canada in banning TikTok from government devices, saying he will take whatever steps are necessary to protect Britain’s security.

Rishi Sunak hints at TikTok ban from UK government devices

The United Kingdom is reportedly planning to ban TikTok on government devices over growing risks regarding data security as several experts and analysts have raised concerns that the app might be used to promote pro-China views and gather data of users illegally.&nbsp;

UK-based media outlets reported that the nation's security minister Tom Tugendhat has asked the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to look into the video-sharing app owned by Chinese firm ByteDance.&nbsp;

Tugendhat confirmed his request for a probe into the app, telling Sky News it was "absolutely essential" to keep the nation's "diplomatic processes free and safe".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-to-purchase-five-us-nuclear-subs-as-part-of-new-pact-571710">Biden, Sunak and Albanese announce nuclear-powered submarine plan for Australia</a>&nbsp;

"Understanding exactly what the challenges that these apps pose, what they are asking for and how they're reaching into our lives is incredibly important," he told the channel.

Tugendhat hasn't ruled out the ban on government phones, but he also mentioned that he would wait for the conclusions of the National Cyber Security Centre or NCSC.

In a veiled reference to China, he claimed that he did not have the app "for many reasons - the main you can probably guess".&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;UK's Labour party plans for Biden-style 'Green Revolution'&nbsp;

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Tugendhat gave New Delhi's example as he said that the "Indian government has banned TikTok and many other apps, the US government has taken different choices in terms of their government phones... different companies and different countries have taken different approaches".&nbsp;

This comes after a number of governments started to ban TikTok from work phones. Recently, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said that federal government employees will no longer be allowed to use TikTok on their work phones.&nbsp;

De Croo said the Belgian national security council had warned of the risks associated with the large amounts of data collected by TikTok. He highlighted the risks by stating that the fact that the company is required to cooperate with Chinese intelligence services.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The United Kingdom is reportedly planning to ban TikTok on government devices over growing risks regarding data security as several experts and analysts have raised concerns that the app might be used to promote pro-China views and gather data of users illegally.

The United Kingdom is reportedly planning to ban TikTok on government devices over growing risks regarding data security as several experts and analysts have raised concerns that the app might be used to promote pro-China views and gather data of users illegally. UK-based media outlets reported that the nation's security minister Tom Tugendhat has asked the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to look into the video-sharing app owned by Chinese firm ByteDance. Tugendhat confirmed his request for a probe into the app, telling Sky News it was "absolutely essential" to keep the nation's "diplomatic processes free and safe". ALSO READ | Biden, Sunak and Albanese announce nuclear-powered submarine plan for Australia "Understanding exactly what the challenges that these apps pose, what they are asking for and how they're reaching into our lives is incredibly important," he told the channel. Tugendhat hasn't ruled out the ban on government phones, but he also mentioned that he would wait for the conclusions of the National Cyber Security Centre or NCSC. In a veiled reference to China, he claimed that he did not have the app "for many reasons - the main you can probably guess". WATCH | UK's Labour party plans for Biden-style 'Green Revolution' × Tugendhat gave New Delhi's example as he said that the "Indian government has banned TikTok and many other apps, the US government has taken different choices in terms of their government phones... different companies and different countries have taken different approaches". This comes after a number of governments started to ban TikTok from work phones. Recently, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said that federal government employees will no longer be allowed to use TikTok on their work phones. De Croo said the Belgian national security council had warned of the risks associated with the large amounts of data collected by TikTok. He highlighted the risks by stating that the fact that the company is required to cooperate with Chinese intelligence services. (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.

After India and US, UK mulls TikTok ban on govt devices over data security concerns linked to China

The government in Belgium also banned TikTok from government phones over concerns of misinformation, privacy and cybersecurity, said the country's prime minister on Friday.

The step taken is similar to the recent ban imposed on the video sharing app by the government authorities in the United States and Europe.

According to a post shared on Alexander de Croo’s website, TikTok will be prohibited temporarily for at least six months from the devices which the federal government of Belgium owns or is paying for.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tiktok-adds-paywall-feature-with-longer-videos-for-creators-570548">TikTok adds paywall feature with longer videos for creators</a>

No immediate response was given by TikTok. The company, which is owned by China’s ByteDance, has for a long time maintained that no data of the application is shared with the Chinese government and that the data is not held in China.

This week, new measures were unveiled by TikTok to ease concerns being raised about user data protection in Europe.

But the three main institutions of the European Union and the defence ministry of Denmark have already given orders to their employees to delete the application from mobile devices which are being used for official business.

The governments have imposed similar bans in Canada and the US. De Croo said that the ban imposed by Belgium was based on the warning issued by its cybersecurity centre and the state security service, which stated that the user data can be harvested by the application and algorithms can be tweaked to manipulate its content and news feed.

The officials further warned that TikTok can be forced to spy for Beijing, he stated.

WATCH | White House backs Senate bill to boost U.S. ability to ban TikTok

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“We are in a new geopolitical context where influence and surveillance between states have shifted to the digital world,” said de Croo, in an online statement.

“We must not be naive: TikTok is a Chinese company which today is obliged to cooperate with the intelligence services. This is the reality. Prohibiting its use on federal service devices is common sense,” he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The government in Belgium also banned TikTok from government phones over concerns of misinformation, privacy and cybersecurity, said the country's prime minister on Friday.

The government in Belgium also banned TikTok from government phones over concerns of misinformation, privacy and cybersecurity, said the country's prime minister on Friday. The step taken is similar to the recent ban imposed on the video sharing app by the government authorities in the United States and Europe. According to a post shared on Alexander de Croo’s website, TikTok will be prohibited temporarily for at least six months from the devices which the federal government of Belgium owns or is paying for. ALSO READ | TikTok adds paywall feature with longer videos for creators No immediate response was given by TikTok. The company, which is owned by China’s ByteDance, has for a long time maintained that no data of the application is shared with the Chinese government and that the data is not held in China. This week, new measures were unveiled by TikTok to ease concerns being raised about user data protection in Europe. But the three main institutions of the European Union and the defence ministry of Denmark have already given orders to their employees to delete the application from mobile devices which are being used for official business. The governments have imposed similar bans in Canada and the US. De Croo said that the ban imposed by Belgium was based on the warning issued by its cybersecurity centre and the state security service, which stated that the user data can be harvested by the application and algorithms can be tweaked to manipulate its content and news feed. The officials further warned that TikTok can be forced to spy for Beijing, he stated. WATCH | White House backs Senate bill to boost U.S. ability to ban TikTok “We are in a new geopolitical context where influence and surveillance between states have shifted to the digital world,” said de Croo, in an online statement. “We must not be naive: TikTok is a Chinese company which today is obliged to cooperate with the intelligence services. This is the reality. Prohibiting its use on federal service devices is common sense,” he added. (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

Belgium follows footsteps of US and EU, bans TikTok from government phones

Turkey on Wednesday (March 1) fined the Chinese social media app TikTok 1.75 million lira ($93,000) for not taking all sufficient&nbsp;steps to protect users from the unlawful processing of data.

The Personal Data Protection Board (KVKK) said it decided to fine the social media company for "not taking all necessary measures&nbsp;to ensure the appropriate level&nbsp;of security to prevent unlawful processing of personal data."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/tiktok-to-set-new-one-hour-daily-screen-time-limit-for-users-under-18-to-help-them-stay-in-control-567354">Also read |&nbsp;TikTok to set new one-hour daily screen time limit for users under 18 to help them 'stay in control'</a>

This fine comes amid growing security concerns over the app and who accesses&nbsp;its user data, Reuters reported.

The Turkish data protection authority in a statement on its website said the video sharing app should translate its 'Terms of Service' into Turkish and update its privacy and cookies policy text in line with the country's regulations.&nbsp;

Responding to this, a spokesperson for TikTok said they are looking into the Turkish regulator's fine and added that they remain committed to providing a safe and protected platform for its users.

"Our uncompromising commitment is to provide all users with the peace of mind they deserve by ensuring the safety, security and protection of their personal information - because their trust matters to us."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-legislation-authorising-joe-biden-to-ban-tiktok-advances-567315">Also read |&nbsp;US: Legislation authorising Joe Biden to ban TikTok advances</a>

According to data from Statista, Turkey has the ninth most users of TikTok in the world, with over 30 million accounts on the social media platform.

Recently, the app was banned by the US, European Union and Canada from government officials' devices over security concerns.&nbsp;

Responding to the ban, social media expressed its disappointment.&nbsp;

The app is all set to roll out its new daily screen measure for its users under 18 to help them in controlling their screen time.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Turkey on Wednesday (March 1) fined the Chinese social media app TikTok 1.75 million lira ($93,000) for not taking all sufficient steps to protect users from the unlawful processing of data.

Turkey on Wednesday (March 1) fined the Chinese social media app TikTok 1.75 million lira ($93,000) for not taking all sufficient steps to protect users from the unlawful processing of data. The Personal Data Protection Board (KVKK) said it decided to fine the social media company for "not taking all necessary measures to ensure the appropriate level of security to prevent unlawful processing of personal data." Also read | TikTok to set new one-hour daily screen time limit for users under 18 to help them 'stay in control' This fine comes amid growing security concerns over the app and who accesses its user data, Reuters reported. The Turkish data protection authority in a statement on its website said the video sharing app should translate its 'Terms of Service' into Turkish and update its privacy and cookies policy text in line with the country's regulations. Responding to this, a spokesperson for TikTok said they are looking into the Turkish regulator's fine and added that they remain committed to providing a safe and protected platform for its users. "Our uncompromising commitment is to provide all users with the peace of mind they deserve by ensuring the safety, security and protection of their personal information - because their trust matters to us." Also read | US: Legislation authorising Joe Biden to ban TikTok advances According to data from Statista, Turkey has the ninth most users of TikTok in the world, with over 30 million accounts on the social media platform. Recently, the app was banned by the US, European Union and Canada from government officials' devices over security concerns. Responding to the ban, social media expressed its disappointment. The app is all set to roll out its new daily screen measure for its users under 18 to help them in controlling their screen time. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Turkey fines TikTok millions of lira for weak data protection measures

The Chinese-owned video sharing app TikTok will soon set a&nbsp;new default screen time limit of 60 minutes for its users under the age of 18. According to the app, if an individual hits the daily screen time limit, they will then have to enter a passcode to continue to use the service that day, which they will receive&nbsp;in their app only. It also stated that users will be given a choice to opt out of this new measure.

The social media company said it is introducing this new measure to help people "stay in control" of their use, which will roll out in the coming weeks, CNN reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-legislation-authorising-joe-biden-to-ban-tiktok-advances-567315">Also read |&nbsp;US: Legislation authorising Joe Biden to ban TikTok advances</a>

If anyone uses the app for over 100 minutes a day, they will receive a prompt from the app to set their own screen time controls.

Parents of young children will also be able to set the screen limit according to their convenience, and will be able to access the dashboard, which could give them a specific breakdown of app usage.

Head of trust and safety at the app, Cormac Keenan, said the company worked with researchers in developing the new limits. He said, "while there's no collectively endorsed position on the 'right' amount of screen time, or even the impact of screen time more broadly, we consulted the current academic research and experts from the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children's Hospital in choosing this limit."

This new measure comes after the app prompted teens last year to manage their screen time. The app said that this helped "increase the use of screen tools by 234 per cent."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-us-overreacting-by-banning-tiktok-on-federal-devices-566857">Also read |&nbsp;China says US 'overreacting' by banning TikTok on federal devices</a>

In September 2021, TikTok claimed that it hit over one billion active monthly users, making it one of the biggest social sites in the world.

Earlier this week, the US, European Commission and Canada banned the app from government devices over security concerns.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

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The Chinese-owned video sharing app TikTok will soon set a new default screen time limit of 60 minutes for its users under the age of 18. According to the app, if an individual hits the daily screen time limit, they will then have to enter a passcode to continue to use the service that day, which they will receive in their app only.

The Chinese-owned video sharing app TikTok will soon set a new default screen time limit of 60 minutes for its users under the age of 18. According to the app, if an individual hits the daily screen time limit, they will then have to enter a passcode to continue to use the service that day, which they will receive in their app only. It also stated that users will be given a choice to opt out of this new measure. The social media company said it is introducing this new measure to help people "stay in control" of their use, which will roll out in the coming weeks, CNN reported. Also read | US: Legislation authorising Joe Biden to ban TikTok advances If anyone uses the app for over 100 minutes a day, they will receive a prompt from the app to set their own screen time controls. Parents of young children will also be able to set the screen limit according to their convenience, and will be able to access the dashboard, which could give them a specific breakdown of app usage. Head of trust and safety at the app, Cormac Keenan, said the company worked with researchers in developing the new limits. He said, "while there's no collectively endorsed position on the 'right' amount of screen time, or even the impact of screen time more broadly, we consulted the current academic research and experts from the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children's Hospital in choosing this limit." This new measure comes after the app prompted teens last year to manage their screen time. The app said that this helped "increase the use of screen tools by 234 per cent." Also read | China says US 'overreacting' by banning TikTok on federal devices In September 2021, TikTok claimed that it hit over one billion active monthly users, making it one of the biggest social sites in the world. Earlier this week, the US, European Commission and Canada banned the app from government devices over security concerns. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

TikTok to set new one-hour daily screen time limit for users under 18 to help them 'stay in control'

The United States House Foreign Affairs Committee voted on Wednesday (March 1) to advance legislation that would authorise the president to impose a ban on the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok, among other apps that pose threat&nbsp;to national security.&nbsp;

The US aims at imposing a nationwide TikTok ban under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the legislation for the same was introduced last Friday. It was fast-tracked by committee chairman Michael McCaul, however, the Democrats on the committee opposed the bill.&nbsp;

US media outlets reported that the lawmakers voted 24 to 16 to approve the measure. Once finalised, the Biden administration will have powers to ban the ByteDance-owned app, which is used by more than 100 million Americans.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eli-lilly-slashes-insulin-prices-heres-how-much-a-vial-will-cost-now-567293">Eli Lilly slashes insulin prices. Here's how much a vial will cost now</a>&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the committee, said that he strongly opposed the legislation because it would "damage our allegiances across the globe, bring more companies into China's sphere, destroy jobs here in the United States and undercut core American values of free speech and free enterprise."&nbsp;

The bill has specifically asked the president to impose penalties against the companies (potentially a ban), if the administration discovers that the company might have intentionally transferred user data of the video-sharing app to "any foreign person" who is associated with the Chinese government. &nbsp;

The next process includes approval by the full House and US Senate before it can go to Biden as the fate of the measure is still uncertain.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;EU bans TikTok on work devices amid data security breaches

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The European Commission and the European Union (EU) Council last week banned TikTok from staff phones due to growing concerns about the company and whether or not the Chinese government could harvest users' data or advance its interests.&nbsp;

China’s foreign ministry on Wednesday called on the EU to stop abusing the concept of national security after the European Parliament banned TikTok from staff phones.&nbsp;

Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a regular briefing in Beijing: "Such practices undermine the international community's confidence in the EU's business environment. The European side should... stop overstretching and abusing the concept of national security."&nbsp;

<h2 data-label="Package" data-qa-component="item-headline" data-rc-highlight="headline" dir="auto" title="Turkey fines TikTok 1.75 million lira for weak data protection measures">Turkey fines&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;</h2>

The Personal Data Protection Board (KVKK) said on Wednesday that the Turkish authorities have fined TikTok $93,000 for failing to protect users from unlawful processing of their data.

The fine comes amid growing international concern over the Chinese short video-sharing app and who accesses its user data.&nbsp; 
 
The KVKK said it decided to fine TikTok for "not taking all necessary measures to ensure the appropriate level of security to prevent unlawful processing of personal data."&nbsp;

It further said that TikTok should translate its Terms of Service into Turkish and update its privacy and cookies policy texts in line with the country's regulations. 
 
Turkey with some 30 million accounts on TikTok has the ninth most users of the platform in the world. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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The United States House Foreign Affairs Committee voted on Wednesday (March 1) to advance legislation that would authorise the president to impose a ban on the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok, among other apps that pose threat to national security.

The United States House Foreign Affairs Committee voted on Wednesday (March 1) to advance legislation that would authorise the president to impose a ban on the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok, among other apps that pose threat to national security. The US aims at imposing a nationwide TikTok ban under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the legislation for the same was introduced last Friday. It was fast-tracked by committee chairman Michael McCaul, however, the Democrats on the committee opposed the bill. US media outlets reported that the lawmakers voted 24 to 16 to approve the measure. Once finalised, the Biden administration will have powers to ban the ByteDance-owned app, which is used by more than 100 million Americans. ALSO READ | Eli Lilly slashes insulin prices. Here's how much a vial will cost now As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the committee, said that he strongly opposed the legislation because it would "damage our allegiances across the globe, bring more companies into China's sphere, destroy jobs here in the United States and undercut core American values of free speech and free enterprise." The bill has specifically asked the president to impose penalties against the companies (potentially a ban), if the administration discovers that the company might have intentionally transferred user data of the video-sharing app to "any foreign person" who is associated with the Chinese government. The next process includes approval by the full House and US Senate before it can go to Biden as the fate of the measure is still uncertain. WATCH | EU bans TikTok on work devices amid data security breaches × The European Commission and the European Union (EU) Council last week banned TikTok from staff phones due to growing concerns about the company and whether or not the Chinese government could harvest users' data or advance its interests. China’s foreign ministry on Wednesday called on the EU to stop abusing the concept of national security after the European Parliament banned TikTok from staff phones. Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a regular briefing in Beijing: "Such practices undermine the international community's confidence in the EU's business environment. The European side should... stop overstretching and abusing the concept of national security." Turkey fines TikTok The Personal Data Protection Board (KVKK) said on Wednesday that the Turkish authorities have fined TikTok $93,000 for failing to protect users from unlawful processing of their data. The fine comes amid growing international concern over the Chinese short video-sharing app and who accesses its user data. The KVKK said it decided to fine TikTok for "not taking all necessary measures to ensure the appropriate level of security to prevent unlawful processing of personal data." It further said that TikTok should translate its Terms of Service into Turkish and update its privacy and cookies policy texts in line with the country's regulations. Turkey with some 30 million accounts on TikTok has the ninth most users of the platform in the world. (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.

US: Legislation authorising Joe Biden to ban TikTok advances

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