TikTok Under Fire: U.S. Lawmakers Grill CEO Over Data Privacy

TikTok’s Data Dilemma: Security Threat or Political Drama?

U.S. lawmakers unleashed a marathon interrogation of TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew last week, demanding answers about whether the app’s 150 million American users are at risk. Despite Chew’s assurances that TikTok operates independently and prioritizes data protection, the hearing crackled with tension as officials repeatedly challenged his claims.

“No Government Control,” Says CEO

Chew emphasized TikTok’s “strict safeguards” for user data and its efforts to protect young users, but skepticism ran high. “Why should we trust you?” one lawmaker fired back. Meanwhile, CGTN street interviews revealed mixed views: “TikTok tailors content like any app, but I don’t feel less safe here,” said one user.

The Bigger Picture

Is TikTok uniquely risky, or is this part of a broader tech-privacy debate? As the U.S. weighs a potential ban, millions of creators and users are caught in the crossfire. Stay tuned—this showdown is far from over.

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Is TikTok really a threat to U.S. user data privacy and security?

cgtn.com