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US could sanction Chinese social media apps over personal data concerns, Mike Pompeo says
- India has banned TikTok, Australia is considering similar action and the US has previously sanctioned Chinese-owned gay dating app Grindr
- Using TikTok puts your private information in the hands of China’s Communist Party, according to Pompeo
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The United States is considering taking action against Chinese social media apps such as short video platform TikTok over privacy issues and potential national security risks, according to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Pompeo was asked in a Fox News television interview on Monday evening whether the US would act after India banned TikTok and 58 other Chinese apps. Action against TikTok was also reported to be under consideration in Australia.
“We’re taking that very seriously,” Pompeo said in the interview. “We’re looking at it. I can assure you the United States will get this one right too. I don’t want to get in front of [President Donald Trump] but it’s something we’re looking at.”
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The US has previously placed restrictions on Chinese technology companies including Huawei and ZTE for national security reasons.
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Pompeo says US considering ban on TikTok and other Chinese apps, praises Google, Facebook, Twitter
Pompeo says US considering ban on TikTok and other Chinese apps, praises Google, Facebook, Twitter
Pompeo alleged that TikTok – whose owner, tech giant ByteDance, is based in mainland China – was sharing user information with the Chinese authorities. Asked whether Americans should download the app, he said: “Only if you want your private information in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party.”
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