New York
CNN
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The Chinese government could use TikTok to control data on millions of people and harness the short-form video app to shape public opinion should China invade Taiwan, FBI Director Christopher Wray told the Senate Intelligence Committee Wednesday.
Wray responded affirmatively to questions from Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, the panel’s ranking member, on whether TikTok would allow Beijing widespread control over data and a valuable influence tool in the event of war in the Taiwan Strait.
“The most fundamental piece that cuts across every one of those risks and threats that you mentioned that I think Americans need to understand is that something that’s very sacred in our country —the difference between the private sector and public sector — that’s a line that is nonexistent in the way that the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] operates,” Wray told Rubio…
2023-03-08 12:44:14
Post from www.cnn.com
The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Christopher Wray, has recently expressed concerns about Chinese social media platform TikTok being used to facilitate a potential invasion of Taiwan by the Chinese military. In a testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Wray warned that TikTok’s growing popularity among American users could mean that the app might be used to gather personal information and influence public opinion in favor of China’s geopolitical aims.
According to Wray, “It’s not hypothetical that information collected by Chinese firms could be used to facilitate intelligence activities, including foreign influence and espionage. We have to be concerned about the potential for the theft of personal and proprietary information, as well as the potential for TikTok to censor content or even extend its reach into our classrooms.”
These concerns come amidst growing tensions between the United States and China over a range of geopolitical issues, including Taiwan’s status as a sovereign nation. TikTok, which is owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, has come under scrutiny in recent months over its handling of user data and alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
As of October 2021, TikTok has nearly 100 million active users in the United States alone, making it one of the most popular social media platforms in the country. However, its rapid growth has raised concerns among policymakers and security experts about the potential risks posed by Chinese-owned tech companies operating in the United States.
The FBI’s warnings about TikTok align with broader concerns about China’s growing influence in the tech sector and its use of advanced technology to further its strategic aims. China has long been accused of leveraging its technology firms to steal intellectual property and sensitive information from foreign companies and governments.
Given the strategic importance of Taiwan to the United States and its allies in the Asia-Pacific region, the potential role of TikTok in facilitating a Chinese invasion of the island is a matter of particular concern for American security officials. In response to these concerns, the United States has taken steps to limit the use of Chinese-owned technology in critical sectors such as telecommunications and energy.
In conclusion, the FBI’s warning about the potential risks posed by TikTok and other Chinese-owned tech platforms is a timely reminder of the need for vigilance when it comes to national security and the protection of sensitive information. As the United States continues to grapple with the challenges posed by an increasingly assertive China, policymakers and security experts must remain vigilant and take steps to protect American interests and values both at home and abroad.