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    Justice Department Accuses TikTok of Data Misuse and Manipulation Concerns

    Top News 4 Mins Read

    The Justice Department recently filed a brief accusing TikTok of exploiting its platform to gather sensitive information on U.S. users, focusing on divisive topics like gun control, abortion, and religion. The brief alleges that TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, use an internal tool called Lark, which facilitates communication between TikTok employees and ByteDance engineers in China. This tool reportedly allows access to sensitive user data, which ends up on Chinese servers, potentially accessible by ByteDance personnel.

    The government’s brief claims that this data collection could be used to influence public opinion in favor of Beijing by manipulating the algorithm that determines what content users see. This concern is particularly relevant in light of past reports that TikTok had tracked users engaging with LGBTQ content through a now-deleted dashboard.

    The legal battle comes as TikTok faces potential bans under a new U.S. law that demands the company sever ties with ByteDance. The Justice Department argues that this separation is crucial to prevent the possibility of covert content manipulation by the Chinese government. The brief warns that such manipulation could amplify divisions within American society and undermine democratic trust.

    TikTok, however, counters that the proposed ban violates the First Amendment by potentially silencing the voices of its 170 million American users. TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek emphasized that the government has not provided concrete evidence to support its claims and expressed confidence that the company would prevail in court.

    The Justice Department’s redacted brief also highlights concerns that ByteDance’s censorship policies in China could extend to TikTok users outside the country. This concern further underscores doubts about the effectiveness of TikTok’s Project Texas, a $1.5 billion initiative aimed at safeguarding U.S. user data by storing it on Oracle-owned servers.

    As the court date approaches, TikTok continues to challenge the law, arguing that it discriminates based on viewpoints and imposes unconstitutional restrictions on free speech. The Justice Department, however, maintains that the law is necessary to address national security risks posed by the potential misuse of technology by Chinese authorities. The case is set for oral arguments in September.

    Major Points

    • The Justice Department alleges TikTok uses an internal tool, Lark, to collect sensitive U.S. user data, potentially accessible to ByteDance employees in China.
    • The data collection focuses on divisive topics such as gun control, abortion, and religion, raising concerns about possible influence on public opinion.
    • The U.S. government warns of potential “covert content manipulation” by China, using TikTok’s algorithm to sway public discourse.
    • TikTok argues the proposed U.S. ban violates the First Amendment, asserting there is no concrete evidence of the claims made by the government.
    • The case highlights ongoing national security concerns over foreign access to U.S. user data, with court arguments scheduled for September.

    Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

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