June 26, 2024
TikTok just doubled down on protecting u-s user data. This move will likely be added to their legal argument that the government’s January ban is unconstitutional.
I’ll talk about how this may impact that ban in a second – but first – today — TikTok announced they are adding two additional u-s based tech companies to serve as independent security inspectors. HaystackID and OnDefend will join tech giant Oracle to ensure the security and integrity of the TikTok app in the united states. TikTok says these inspectors will continuously be tasked with protecting u-s user information, auditing the platform and will have the ability to access TikTok’s source code to ensure there is no outside influence from anyone – including any government. TikTok says allowing third-party validators to access their source code is an example of “unparalleled transparency.”
HaystackID and OnDefend are tech companies that specialize in data services, legal and regulatory compliance and preparing and defending companies against real-world threats. TikTok says these companies will be assisted by Mandiant Consulting a company that has worked with government, law enforcement and businesses worldwide on cyber security issues.
These independent security inspectors do not directly work for TikTok – they work for US Data Security – also known as USDS– a subsidiary of TikTok that oversees Project Texas. If you remember – I posted this video back in April of my exclusive interview with TikTok’s vice president all about the groundbreaking work of Project Texas – a $2 billion dollar effort by the company to create a one-of-a-kind data security operation on US soil.
You see – this whole conversation about US user data and protecting the platform from outside influence is exactly why Congress passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. Lawmakers say TikTok is a national security threat and passing the law was necessary to force Bytedance, the Chinese based parent company of TikTok to either sell its interest in TikTok or face a ban. Lawmakers have not given any hard evidence of the national security threat but have suggested TikTok content could be manipulated by China and China may be able to collect tons of data on the 170 million American users.
TikTok has always said those claims are bogus. They say they worked with the u-s government for years to address all the security concerns of lawmakers and when that fell apart, in 2022 they created USDS with oracle – a major US company– as the lead independent inspector. TikTok believes the government and this law is so wrong in its assessment of TikTok’s security apparatus– that they filed a that massive lawsuit to stop this ban from taking effect. In essence forcing the US government to put their cards on the table and disclose the evidence that proves TikTok is a national security risk. In the meantime, TikTok says they are not stopping in their effort to protect US user data and the platform. With today’s announcement — their efforts are only expanding. And no doubt TikTok is going to use today’s move in court to undercut the government’s argument that TikTok isn’t safe.
Read more from TikTok about this action here.
