Chinese Big Tech vs The US Government

For the past few years, our data has been a hot topic dominating the news because of constant overreactions about how big tech companies use it. Right now, data is considered as one of the most valuable assets in the world, which is why tech companies want it so much. TikTok is currently in the hot seat with the US government alleging the app is using US citizens’ data and reporting it back to China. But we’ve seen similar scandals with the Big Five US tech companies, namely Meta and their Cambridge Analytica scandal.  

So, why is America so worried about TikTok? 

At present, the US doesn’t have comprehensive data protection regulations. In fact, only 5 states have data privacy laws – which doesn’t make much sense for a country so worried about national security. The US and China aren’t on good terms politically. This is why the US doesn’t want its citizens data reported back to Beijing. But, if the US cared about data privacy issues, they would pass legislation that held all platforms equally accountable. The Biden administration appears to want more technology policy and regulations, which is only beneficial considering how worried they are. However, the only form of regulation they are working with right now is banning TikTok, which is not the answer to this problem. 

In the UK and Europe, we have General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), which gives individuals the right to access and erase their data. It also affects how tech companies get consent for personal information. GDPR has forced more clicks to accept or deny cookies which have helped halve Europe’s data privacy exposure. A move like this only seems sensible for the US and their fears over China. 

What’s happening with TikTok? 

As it stands, TikTok’s future in the US is uncertain. The US government believes that the owners of TikTok, the Chinese company ByteDance, are gathering too much data. They also believe the data is being handed to the Chinese government. Both of which aren't necessarily true.  

Most social media sites gather data on location, biometrics and downloaded apps including our names, ages, phone numbers, email addresses and photos. All social media sites make you aware of the data they assemble before you create an account with them. And TikTok gathers no more data than other social media apps. Everyone knows that Google and Meta are among the greatest data collectors of all time – so where are the harsh sanctions against US big tech?  

Regardless, using data is important because it makes the experience more personal. It’s better than putting users off with content they don’t want to see. And the majority of TikTok’s income is derived from advertising, so it makes sense to have a high-quality recommendation algorithm. The reason TikTok is so popular is because of its algorithm. It’s helped users find like-minded people and allowed online communities to flourish. The algorithm has given millions of normal people a voice they have never had before. And it seems that the US could be worried about that. 

TikTok has made it very clear that they are independent of the Chinese government. But, in response to these growing fears, the UK and the US have banned TikTok on all government devices as a precautionary measure. TikTok has come out to say these restrictions are based on misguided information.  

Chinese Big Tech vs Data Privacy 

TikTok isn’t the only Chinese-owned company coming under fire for alleged misuse of data. In the US, Australia, Canada, Japan, and India, 5G technology from companies like Huawei, ZTE and Hytera are banned from installing equipment. The UK has also ordered the 5G equipment installed by Huawei to be removed by 2027. Again, these countries are concerned their data could end up in China. But there’s no hard evidence of this (unless you’re a conspiracy theorist, of course). 

The Future of Data Privacy: 

We know our data is important and valuable - but the US government is overreacting, and banning TikTok is not the answer. With the US having so many concerns, it seems like it’s time for the country to introduce data privacy laws and regulations that apply to all social media sites. Otherwise, data scandals like this will constantly dominate news cycles. 

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