TikTok and ByteDance Accused of Data Gathering and Censorship
In a new onslaught of attacks on one of the world’s most popular tech companies, the Justice Department alleges TikTok uses its ability to gather vast amounts of information about users based on their views on divisive social issues such as gun control, abortion, and religion. Government lawyers claim that TikTok and its Beijing-based parent company, ByteDance, are using an internal network suite system called Lark to communicate directly with Chinese ByteDance engineers.
Alleged Data Collection and Storage
TikTok employees allegedly use Lark to send sensitive data about U.S. users, with the information ultimately stored on servers in China and accessible to ByteDance employees in China. The Justice Department filing also revealed that TikTok employees can collect information about user content or expression, including views on sensitive topics such as abortion or religion. The Department expressed concerns about potential covert content manipulation by the Chinese government through the app’s algorithms.
Concerns about Content Manipulation and Censorship
The Justice Department raised concerns about the possibility of content manipulation to undermine trust in democracy and exacerbate social divisions. They accused TikTok and ByteDance employees of engaging in practices like “heating,” where certain videos are promoted to gain views. While TikTok claims such practices curate popular content, U.S. officials believe they can be used for nefarious purposes.
Legal Battle and National Security Concerns
Government court filings represent the first major defense in the ongoing legal battle over TikTok’s future. U.S. lawmakers and officials have expressed concerns about Chinese authorities manipulating algorithms to influence public opinion. The Justice Department argued that the law targeting TikTok’s ownership is not aimed at limiting speech but addressing national security concerns. TikTok’s $1.5 billion mitigation plan was also questioned, with doubts about its effectiveness in protecting against security risks.
