The CEO of the Chinese social network TikTok, Shou Chew was tested on Thursday, March 23 by elected members of the US Congress. The popular application is accused of undermining national security. Its boss is a former banker who has seen a rapid rise in the technology sector.
His hearing by a powerful parliamentary committee, while the application belonging to Chinese group ByteDance runs the risk of being outright banned in the US, is a first for the 40-year-old businessman, who has a secretive personality.
sequel after announcement
political pressure
While Shou Chew runs the company from Singapore, according to TikTok, it’s unclear how much decision-making power he has over ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming and other executives at the parent company.
For months, the quiet Singaporean leader has had to deal with political pressures mounting on both sides of the Atlantic.
The White House, the European Commission and the Canadian and British governments have banned their officials from using the platform for short and viral videos, which are very popular among young people.
The White House has hinted that if TikTok – which has more than 150 million monthly users in the US – remains under ByteDance, it will be banned.
sequel after announcement
Data access in Beijing?
Many regulators suspect the app gives Beijing access to user data, which it has always denied. Elected officials also fear that the app could serve as a Trojan horse for the Chinese Communist Party to manipulate public opinion.
TikTok, the mole that came from Beijing
“Let me state unequivocally: ByteDance is not an agent of China or any other country.”Mr. Chiu is expected to tell the elected members of the US Congress, according to comments made public before the session.
“TikTok has never shared or received any request to share US user data with the Chinese government. TikTok also will not honor such a request if it is made.”must defend the boss of TikTok.
Shou Chew himself isn’t a huge TikTok user: he’s posted about 20 videos since last year and only has about 20,000 followers.
sequel after announcement
Should we be afraid of TikTok?
On his account, some videos show him attending the Superbowl halftime show or dancing with singer Ciarelle, while others share excerpts from his visit to the British Museum or his Halloween costume.
Its application has already surpassed YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook in “past time” Top rated by US adults, and now hot on Netflix.
