TikTok announces new data security measures in Europe as pressure intensifies
LONDON: TikTok has announced a new security system, nicknamed “Project Clover”, amid growing pressure from lawmakers on both sides of the Atlantic.
The European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of the EU recently banned TikTok from staff phones amid growing concerns about the company, owned by China’s ByteDance, over whether the Chinese government could collect user data or promote its interests.
Meanwhile, the White House has backed legislation that would give the administration new powers to ban Chinese-owned video app TikTok and other foreign technologies if they pose national security threats.
At a press conference on Wednesday, TikTok said it would start storing European users’ data locally this year, with the transition continuing until 2024.
As part of this change, the company confirmed that it will soon open a second data center in Ireland and another in the Hamar region of Norway. These data centers are operated by an undisclosed third party.
“We’re a compliance company. Tell us what the problems are, and then we’ll find solutions together. That’s been our approach in the U.S., that’s been our approach everywhere,” said Theo Bertram, director of government relations and public policy.
“Our approach is very open to governments, regulators and experts to give us their advice and counsel on how we can do this even more effectively.”
The company said it will reduce data transfer outside the region and reduce employee access to user data internally.
TikTok has adopted a similar strategy in the United States, nicknamed “Project Texas,” to try to appease hostile lawmakers.
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