We've made it halfway through 2020 and I'd like to reiterate this year's theme for the year: Prosperity. How has this year allowed you to prosper in life? Did you face adversities you had to overcome? Did you conquer a fear of yours? Did you help a citizen in the smallest way, yet it made a significant impact on their life? Did you go out and protest or sign petitions? Became an advocate? Shared knowledge/tips about Covid-19? It's a new month and we're going to incorporate priorities into this year's theme. How are you prospering by prioritizing your life and goals?
Security and privacy are always at the top of my list of priorities and it seems the United States' government is concerned with its' citizens being secured as well. A while ago, I covered an article about a major flaw in the TikTok application and some security measures users of the app could consider.
It seems the latest news of this week is how TikTok and other Chinese apps are on the verge of being banned from the United States. The United States government is considering banning TikTok because it views the hugely popular social media app as a security threat, according to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Since last fall, U.S lawmakers have been calling for an investigation into TikTok's relationship with its' parent company and the Chinese government, and if their ties pose as a security threat to America.
TikTok's response/defense is that "the company is led by an American CEO with with hundreds of employees and key leaders across safety, security, product, and public policy here in the U.S. We have no higher priority than promoting a safe and secure app experience for our users."
Pompeo casts TikTok as a security threat, accusing the app of sharing users' data with the Chinese government. When asked by Fox's Laura Ingraham Monday night if he would recommend that people download the app, he responded, "Only if you want your private information in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party."
But the TikTok spokesperson denied that was true: "We have never provided user data to the Chinese government, nor would we do so if asked."
Here's my opinion on this subject matter: A lot of applications sell/exploit our data and don't ask for our permission/consent. The vast majority of companies sell user data to 3rd party companies for advertisement purposes and to improve on the user experience. This is the reason behind the GDPR and CCPA, which is to ensure privacy policies are enforced and users consent to their data being shared, sold, and used. It doesn't excuse the fact TikTok may be trying to exploit user's information while China is in a battle with the U.S. How do you feel about this situation?
Don't forget about the ToBeSecured Giveaway which ends on tomorrow, after 12:00 midnight I won't be taking anymore submissions and the winner will be announced at 5pm via Instagram live.
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