Politicians prefer TikTok due to security concerns

Politicians seem to hate TikTok due to perceived security risks. However, these politicians seem to prefer TikTok, claims a Reuters report.

TikTok is undoubtedly one of the largest social media platforms. It is no wonder that its popularity can be harnessed and perhaps exploited by politicians. In other words, despite the bashing of TikTok in parliament, lawmakers find it irresistible simply because the ultra-short video-sharing platform has become a social hub for millions of young voters.

TikTok remains a security problem and could influence the elections, politicians fear

US lawmakers are on the verge of banning TikTok. A bill addressing the TikTok ban recently passed with bipartisan support. It now goes to the US Senate.

Moreover, US President Biden has already said that he would sign the bill. As a result, TikTok’s parent company ByteDance may be forced to sell TikTok. If ByteDance fails to comply, the company’s apps could be banned from US app stores and web hosting services.

TikTok is facing challenges in several countries, including the EU, mainly due to security and data management practices. German security services recently warned that ByteDance could share TikTok data with the Chinese government.

Additionally, several lawmakers have claimed that TikTok is so powerful and its use so widespread that it could be used to influence users and voters. Needless to say, politicians have expressed similar concerns about Facebook and Twitter. But these politicians want to use these platforms.

European politicians prefer TikTok despite security risks

TikTok remains a popular mass media platform, especially among young people. Politicians prefer to use TikTok to reach the masses. What is concerning is that these very lawmakers have been discussing ways and means to ban, regulate or restrict TikTok.

TikTok is very popular in the age group of 16 to 25 years. There are many new voters and politicians eager to take advantage of this promising vote bank. It is important to note that 16-year-olds in Germany can vote in the upcoming European elections in June.

Simon Harris, the incoming Prime Minister of Ireland, is also known as the “TikTok Taoiseach”. French President Emmanuel Macron has amassed 4 million followers on TikTok. It goes without saying that TikTok is a surefire way to reach the younger generation.

TikTok owner ByteDance continues to deny that its product is used for espionage. Similarly, the Chinese government has also denied all allegations. Last year TikTok launched a site to store European users’ data in Dublin and hired a third-party security company to monitor data flows to address security and data management issues.

It is worrying to note that, despite security concerns, politicians prefer to use TikTok and continue to do so. It seems their desire to connect with young voters outweighs the potential risks.