TikTok is one of the most used apps worldwide. Its an app that lets you post and watch short videos based on different ideas. However, TikTok might not be safe to use. TikTok guarantees that your personal information is safe with them but is that truly the case?
The Dispute
One of TikTok’s policy is to ensure the user that their data is safe with the app. Although the commissioner of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) thinks otherwise. Brendan Carr just recently mentioned that TikTok is not a trusted app when it comes to the personal data of an individual. He further mentioned that the imminent removal of the app from every app store is in process.
The commissioner took the help of his Twitter handle to reach out to both Apple and Android to request the removal of TikTok from their app stores. Brendan was quite blunt in his tweet and it seemed he is not expecting a no for an answer.
“TikTok is not just another video app.
That’s the sheep’s clothing.
It harvests swaths of sensitive data that new reports show are being accessed in Beijing.
I’ve called on Apple & Google to remove TikTok from their app stores for its pattern of surreptitious data practices” said the commissioner in the tweet. He also posted the picture of a bill alongside this tweet.
Many blogs have also reported the illegitimate behaviour of TikTok. For instance, BuzzFeed News just recently reported that the Chinese government had gained access to American user’ personal data through TikTok. This enraged a lot of people around the States as the Chinese company had promised full confidentiality.
Brendan asked Apple and Google to make it happen by the 8th of July or else send him a letter. The letter should contain points as to why can’t they let that happen. The commissioner thinks of TikTok as “national security risk”. He strongly believes that the app could pose a threat to their land. Brendan also demands the app to guideline certain ways its going to use the personal data. How and where will it be used.
Apple And Google’s Response
TikTok has not officially responded to Brendan Carr’s tweet. Nor have Apple or Google. Although the Chinese company did classify BuzzFeed’s article as “misleading report”.
Although, the commissioner made it clear that he doesn’t have high hopes for both Apple and Google. Due to their deep relationships with China. He also mentioned that a popular app like TikTok can’t get removed with a blink of an eye. But he does hope for change.
Google just recently updated their stand on the apps on Google store.
“All apps on Google Play must comply with our policies, regardless of the developer. When we determine an app violates these policies, we take appropriate action.”
Well the situation is getting tensed with each day passing. An app as big as TikTok can’t be taken down simply. It would require s thorough investigation into the matter first. Would you like if TikTok gets taken down on both app stores?
