UK MP Sounds the Alarm: Stop Using TikTok Before China Gets Your Data!

The Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the British Parliament, Alicia Kearns, has raised concerns over the use of the Chinese social media app TikTok.

In a recent interview with Sky News television, Kearns advised the public to avoid using the app due to data security concerns.

She stated that “our data is a key vulnerability and China is building a tech-totalitarian state on the back of our data.”

Kearns emphasized her concern about the “data penetration” by Chinese companies and how the Chinese government is using that data to intimidate individuals who have sought refuge in the UK and around the world.

When asked if she suggested that people delete TikTok from their phones, she answered, “Without question… It is not worth having that vulnerability on your phone.”

Kearns has been a long-standing critic of China’s intelligence activities and its alleged abuse of technology.

In response to Kearns’ allegations, a spokesperson for TikTok stated, “TikTok is enjoyed by millions of people across the UK, and we want to be clear that they can trust us with their data.”

The spokesperson said that TikTok is taking steps to protect user data, such as storing UK user data in its data center operations in Ireland, reducing employee access to data, and minimizing data flow outside of Europe.

The relationship between the UK and China has been strained in recent years due to a number of reasons, including China’s crackdown in Hong Kong, Britain’s refusal to grant Huawei access to its 5G network, and a recent diplomatic row involving a British-based Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and Chinese diplomats. These tensions have resulted in a number of incidents and actions that have further strained the relationship between the two countries.

In conclusion, Kearns’ warning and the subsequent response from TikTok highlight the ongoing concerns over data security and privacy, particularly in the context of Chinese technology companies. It is important for individuals to be aware of these concerns and make informed decisions about their use of social media apps.