Your Tech Story

Tik Tok

TikTok Hires UK Security Firm to Audit European Data Protection

TikTok Hires UK Security Firm to Audit European Data Protection

Leave a Comment / News, Tech News, TikTok / By

In a bold move aimed at strengthening its commitment to data security and privacy, TikTok has enlisted the services of British cybersecurity firm NCC to conduct a thorough audit of its data controls and protection measures. 

TikTok Hires UK Security Firm to Audit European Data Protection
Image Source: scmp.com

This partnership signifies TikTok’s dedication to ensuring the safety of user data and aims to provide independent verification of their security practices. The initiative, known as “Project Clover,” is a significant step towards addressing concerns surrounding data privacy, especially in the European market.

TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, has faced mounting scrutiny from various government bodies, leading to bans on the use of TikTok on staff phones in several organizations. The primary concern revolves around the possibility of China’s government accessing and exploiting user data for its own interests. To combat these concerns head-on, TikTok has initiated Project Clover, designed to fortify its data security framework.

One of the key aspects of Project Clover is the establishment of data centers in Europe. TikTok plans to open three data centers, with two located in Ireland and one in Norway. The first Irish data center is already operational, with data migration processes already underway. According to Elaine Fox, head of privacy in Europe, TikTok aims to have all three data centers fully operational by the end of 2024.

What sets TikTok apart in its approach to data protection is its proactive stance. Rather than waiting for the European data centers to become fully functional, TikTok has already begun storing personal data of its European Economic Area (EEA) and UK users in a secure area called the “European enclave.” This interim solution, hosted in the United States, ensures that user data remains safeguarded during the transition period.

Elaine Fox emphasized TikTok’s commitment to transparency and cooperation with European policymakers. In the coming months, TikTok and NCC intend to engage with policymakers across Europe to provide insights into how Project Clover will operate in practice. This open dialogue is crucial in addressing concerns and building trust with regulatory authorities and users alike.

Project Clover was initially unveiled by TikTok in March, and it couldn’t have come at a more critical time. Lawmakers on both sides of the Atlantic have been exerting increasing pressure on tech companies to enhance data security and privacy measures. TikTok’s partnership with NCC and its investment in European data centers demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing these concerns.

Read More: Charlie Munger Pockets $70,000 a Year From a $1,000 Investment He Made in 1962 – And Has Likely Raked in Over $1 Million in Total

In conclusion, TikTok’s decision to hire NCC to audit its data protection measures and its commitment to European data centers under Project Clover underline its dedication to securing user data. By taking these steps, TikTok aims to build trust and confidence among its users and regulatory bodies, setting a positive example for the tech industry as a whole in the pursuit of data privacy and security.

Trump

Trump bans Chinese apps like Tik Tok and WeChat to safeguard America’s assets

Leave a Comment / Tech News / By

To assure national security and prevent the collection of data and personal information of Americans by the Chinese companies, Trump finally announced the ban of a few most common Chinese apps. According to the announcement on Thursday, the Chinese video-sharing app, Tik Tok, and another Chinese app WeChat will be banned in the U.S.

Trump

Imposing a ban within 45 days

In response to the miserable and horrendous consequences of the pandemic which spread from the Wuhan city of China, many nations have turned against this Asian country. A month ago, India banned the Chinese apps and now Trump is making efforts to stop the intervention of these “untrusted” Chinese companies. Trump further said that it is an effort to keep the U.S. digital network safe from “significant threats” as Tik Tok is charged with data collection. The tension between Washington and Beijing keeps on increasing and will become more intensified in the upcoming 45 days.

Trump imposed the ban on these Chinese apps under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This law can be used in case of any unusual and extraordinary threat thus giving power to the president of the United States to regulate international commerce. Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of State, mentioned that the US will be focusing on the expansion of a clean network thus preventing the Chinese telecom companies to fetch sensitive information as well. Wilbur Ross, US Commerce Secretary, will be in charge of identifying the transactions after the order comes into effect from mid-September.

Tension keeps on increasing 

Not only the American government has ordered China to vacate its consulate from Houston, Texas but also the Chinese government has reciprocated by ordering the U.S. to vacate from the southwestern city of Chengdu. James Lewis, a technology expert based on Washington in response to the imposed ban said that it will demolish the digital world between the U.S. and China. And, the American government should be very cautious as China will retaliate and not sit silently.

Trump also mentioned that the operation of Tik Tok in the U.S. will be sold to Microsoft is the U.S. government gets a part of the sales price. But, no matter what the Chinese apps will be banned in the U.S. on 15th September 2020.

Expansion of the Clean Network

The clean network is a program under Trump’s administration to protect the privacy of American citizens and prevent leaking of sensitive information about the nation. The program clearly states that it guards the nation’s important information against intruders like the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). On 5th August 2020, five new lines of effort were announced by the United States.

  • Clean Carrier: This new effort was to ensure that there is no relation or connection between the People’s Republic of China and the U.S. telecommunications network. It is for the safety of the nation that those companies should not carry any kind of telecommunication services to and from the nation.
  • Clean Store: This step was taken to eradicate the untrusted Chinese application from the U.S. mobile app store.
  • Clean Apps: The trusted apps should be removed from Huawei’s app store and also prevent it from pre-installing in the smartphone.
  • Clean Cloud: This is one of the most important new installations in the Clean Network as sensitive information about the vaccines and researches regarding COVID-19 are stored on cloud-based systems.
  • Clean Cable: The U.S. will work with foreign partners to make sure the undersea cables are not compromised.

The outrage of Tik Tok lovers

But apart from ensuring the safety of the U.S. citizens, the ban of Tik Tok has not been taken positively. There are around 100 million Americans who use Tik Tok and they have voiced against banning the app. But, to prevent theft of information that can destroy a nation, it’s high time to take a big step against China.