Popular social media app TikTok has taken swift action to prevent a cyber attack targeting multiple high-profile accounts, including that of news giant CNN. According to a company spokesperson, TikTok has been working closely with CNN to restore account access and implement enhanced security measures to prevent any future breaches.
The company has assured that the number of affected accounts is minimal and they are actively assisting the account owners to regain access if necessary. A source within TikTok has disclosed to Reuters news agency that the account of reality TV star Paris Hilton was also a target, but fortunately, it remained uncompromised.
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is currently embroiled in a legal battle to challenge a law that requires them to sell TikTok by January 2021 or face a ban in the United States. The White House has cited national security concerns and desires to see an end to Chinese-based ownership of the app.
In response, TikTok has vehemently denied any sharing of user data with the Chinese government and has taken significant measures to safeguard user privacy. The company may also argue that a potential ban would violate the First Amendment rights of its 170 million American users to freedom of speech.
Moreover, the ban could face opposition from TikTok content creators who rely on the platform for their livelihood. China has also expressed opposition to a forced sale of TikTok.
Interestingly, the use of TikTok on devices owned by US federal government employees is already prohibited, with only limited exceptions for law enforcement, national security, and security research purposes.
