TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, faced a tough time during a recent congressional hearing where he was grilled by lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.
The hearing, which was titled “A Review of TikTok and Other ByteDance-Owned Platforms,” focused on TikTok’s data privacy practices, alleged censorship of content, and potential ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
The hearing was led by Senator Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from Tennessee, who questioned Chew on a range of topics including TikTok’s handling of user data and the app’s alleged role in spreading misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Blackburn also raised concerns about TikTok’s potential ties to the Chinese government and its alleged censorship of content critical of the Chinese Communist Party.
Chew responded to the allegations by stating that TikTok was an independent company and did not share user data with the Chinese government. He also denied claims of censorship, stating that TikTok’s policies were designed to promote a positive and safe user experience.
However, Chew’s responses failed to satisfy lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, with many expressing skepticism about the company’s data privacy practices and concerns about its potential ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
Some lawmakers also expressed concerns about TikTok’s impact on American youth, with Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut stating that the app had “become a digital playground for sexual predators, cyberbullies, and other dangerous actors.”
The hearing comes as TikTok faces increased scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers over its data privacy practices and alleged ties to the Chinese government. Earlier this year, the Biden administration revoked a Trump-era executive order that would have effectively banned the app in the United States.
TikTok has since been working to improve its image in the United States, with the company announcing plans to establish a “transparency center” in the United States to address concerns about its data privacy practices.
However, the company’s recent congressional hearing suggests that TikTok still has a long way to go to regain the trust of American lawmakers and the public.