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

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

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

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

New Zealand becomes the latest nation to ban the video-sharing Chinese app TikTok on devices with access to the country's parliamentary network&nbsp;over cybersecurity concerns. The app&nbsp;will be banned on all devices with access to the&nbsp;network by the end of March.

In an email to Reuters, Parliamentary Service Chief Rafael Gonzalez-Montero said that the decision was taken after advice from cybersecurity experts and discussions within the government and other countries.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-banned-on-government-devices-in-uk-effective-immediately-572661">Also read |&nbsp;TikTok banned on government devices in UK effective immediately</a>

He said, "based on this information the Service has determined that the risks are not acceptable in the current New Zealand Parliamentary environment."

Montero added that 'special arrangements' will be made for those who require the app to do their jobs.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Britain banned the Chinese social media app on government devices with "immediate effect." A government official said, "We're moving to a system where government devices will only be able to access third-party apps that are on a pre-approved list. We are also going to ban the use of TikTok on government devices. We will do so with immediate effect."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-administration-pressures-tiktoks-chinese-owners-to-sell-stakes-threatens-complete-ban-572563">Also read |&nbsp;Biden administration pressures TikTok's Chinese owners to sell stakes, threatens complete ban</a>

This comes as concerns have mounted globally about the potential that the Chinese government could access the user's personal data including tracking their location.

The security concerns were underscored this week after US President Joe Biden's administration demanded that TikTok's owner divest their stakes or the app could face a ban in the country.&nbsp;

Responding to such claims the app denied all spying allegations and said it believes the bans are based on "fundamental misconceptions driven wider by geopolitics" It added that it spent around $2.5 billion on data security efforts.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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New Zealand becomes the latest nation to ban the video-sharing Chinese app TikTok on devices with access to the country's parliamentary network over cybersecurity concerns.

New Zealand becomes the latest nation to ban the video-sharing Chinese app TikTok on devices with access to the country's parliamentary network over cybersecurity concerns. The app will be banned on all devices with access to the network by the end of March. In an email to Reuters, Parliamentary Service Chief Rafael Gonzalez-Montero said that the decision was taken after advice from cybersecurity experts and discussions within the government and other countries. Also read | TikTok banned on government devices in UK effective immediately He said, "based on this information the Service has determined that the risks are not acceptable in the current New Zealand Parliamentary environment." Montero added that 'special arrangements' will be made for those who require the app to do their jobs. On Wednesday, Britain banned the Chinese social media app on government devices with "immediate effect." A government official said, "We're moving to a system where government devices will only be able to access third-party apps that are on a pre-approved list. We are also going to ban the use of TikTok on government devices. We will do so with immediate effect." Also read | Biden administration pressures TikTok's Chinese owners to sell stakes, threatens complete ban This comes as concerns have mounted globally about the potential that the Chinese government could access the user's personal data including tracking their location. The security concerns were underscored this week after US President Joe Biden's administration demanded that TikTok's owner divest their stakes or the app could face a ban in the country. Responding to such claims the app denied all spying allegations and said it believes the bans are based on "fundamental misconceptions driven wider by geopolitics" It added that it spent around $2.5 billion on data security efforts. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

After UK, New Zealand bans TikTok on govt devices linked to parliament over 'security concerns'

U.S. lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at banning the social media platform TikTok. Will the U.S. succeed this time?

WION Fineprint | U.S. is trying to ban tiktok again

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TikTok’s monthly active users in US jump to 150mn, firm launches PR exercise to fix sullied image

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

After UK, New Zealand bans TikTok on govt devices linked to parliament over 'security concerns'

WION Fineprint | U.S. is trying to ban tiktok again