U.S. Senators: TikTok App Poses Potential National Security Risk

TikTok has had real impacts on cultural trends in the years since its launch. For example, 'Old Town Road,' formerly the number one song in the world, picked up steam on TikTok

Daily Mail: US lawmakers are questioning whether China-based social media app TikTok poses national security threat

* Chinese social media app TikTok is being eyed as a potential security threat
* US lawmakers are calling on the intelligence community to assess the app
* Skeptics say TikTok may be exporting data on users to the Chinese government

Chinese social media upstart TikTok is being scrutinized by US lawmakers who question whether the app is a national security threat.

In a letter addressed to the US National Security Director, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican, are calling on intelligence officials to assess the potential risks posed by TikTok.

'With over 110 million downloads in the U.S. alone, TikTok is a potential counterintelligence threat we cannot ignore,' wrote the senators in their letter.

'Given these concerns, we ask that the Intelligence Community conduct an assessment of the national security risks posed by TikTok and other China-based content platforms operating in the U.S.'

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WNU Editor: Tic Tac is an incredibly popular app with hundreds of millions of users. It is also true that Islamic State militants have used this platform to promote propaganda videos .... ISIS has begun using teenage app TikTok to post shocking clips of victims being BEHEADED - sparking a frantic battle to delete the accounts (Daily Mail), as well as rising concerns that it can be used to influence elections and other political causes with disinformation. But for the U.S. the big concern is that this app may be exporting data on users to the Chinese government.If that is true the options are limited. Ban an app that 110 million Americans have downloaded, or permit it with all of its risks. Not much of a choice in my opinion.

More News On U.S. Senators Concerned That TikTok App Poses Potential National Security Risk

TikTok app poses potential national security risk, says senior Democrat -- The Guardian
Senators call for intelligence probe into Chinese-owned app TikTok -- Reuters
TikTok could threaten national security, senators charge -- FOX News
Senators want to know if TikTok poses a national security risk -- CNET
TikTok could threaten national security, senators say -- The Verge