TikTok, the popular social media app, is preparing for a crucial day in Congress as lawmakers continue to scrutinize the app’s data collection practices.
The company has faced allegations of mishandling user data and being influenced by the Chinese government, leading to concerns about national security.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee has called on TikTok executives to testify on Wednesday, March 29th, 2023, to answer questions about the app’s data collection practices and the company’s relationship with China.
TikTok’s CEO, Kevin Mayer, will be joined by several other high-ranking executives at the hearing.
In a statement released on Tuesday, TikTok defended its data collection practices, saying that it “takes user privacy seriously” and that it stores user data in the United States and Singapore.
The company also said that it has “no higher priority than promoting a safe and secure app experience” and that it is “committed to working with lawmakers to address any concerns they may have.”
TikTok has faced increasing scrutiny from lawmakers in recent months, as concerns about the app’s data collection practices and its relationship with China have grown.
In December 2022, TikTok was fined $5.7 million by the Federal Trade Commission for violating child privacy laws, which led to the company implementing stricter measures to protect young users.
Despite these efforts, TikTok’s reputation has taken a hit, with some lawmakers calling for the app to be banned in the United States.
In August 2022, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning TikTok and WeChat, another popular Chinese-owned app, citing national security concerns.
However, the ban was never fully implemented, and the Biden administration has yet to take any action on the issue.
TikTok has been trying to distance itself from its Chinese roots, with the company appointing Kevin Mayer, a former Disney executive, as its CEO in May 2020.
The company has also been investing heavily in its US operations, with plans to hire 10,000 employees in the United States over the next three years.
The hearing on Wednesday will be a crucial test for TikTok, as the company seeks to convince lawmakers that it is a safe and secure platform for users.
With the app’s popularity continuing to soar, and the US government keeping a close eye on its operations, the outcome of the hearing could have far-reaching consequences for TikTok and its millions of users around the world.