Taiwan Expert Warns About Security Risks of Chinese Apps Like TikTok
Chinese apps, such as TikTok, have become potential national security risks for developing nations due to China’s government policies, according to Focus Taiwan. Tzeng Yi-suo, an associate research fellow at INDSR’s Division of Cyber Security and Decision-making Simulation, stated, “Information security risks are national security risks. As long as the TikTok app is under the jurisdiction of the Chinese government, there will essentially be security concerns.”
He explained that commercial companies collect data about app users and use algorithms to tailor relevant information and marketing. In democratic countries like Taiwan, the government must follow legal procedures to obtain such information. However, Chinese apps are collecting data and using it for their purposes without such restrictions.
Reports have shown the extent of TikTok’s data collection. The Guardian revealed that TikTok increased the location information it collects to include altitude, indicating the floor of a building a user is on. Forbes reported that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, collects extensive user data, including basic information, location, device details, IP addresses, login IDs, passwords, and even biometric data.
In June 2020, the Indian government banned TikTok due to national security and data privacy concerns, fearing that TikTok might misuse personal data or compromise user privacy.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island country in East Asia, near China. It has its own government and is known for its technology industry.
Security Risks -: Security risks are dangers that can harm a country’s safety, like stealing important information or spying.
Chinese Apps -: Chinese apps are applications made by companies in China, like TikTok, which people use on their phones or computers.
TikTok -: TikTok is a popular app where people can make and share short videos, often with music and fun effects.
Tzeng Yi-suo -: Tzeng Yi-suo is an expert from Taiwan who studies security and warns about dangers from certain apps.
INDSR -: INDSR stands for Institute for National Defense and Security Research, a group in Taiwan that studies how to keep the country safe.
Democratic Countries -: Democratic countries are places where people vote to choose their leaders and have laws to protect their rights.
Data Collection -: Data collection is when apps or companies gather information about users, like where they are or what they like.
Sensitive Information -: Sensitive information is personal details that people usually want to keep private, like their location or face details.
ByteDance -: ByteDance is the company that owns TikTok. It is based in China and makes many popular apps.
Location -: Location is where you are in the world, like your city or neighborhood.
IP Addresses -: IP addresses are unique numbers that identify each device connected to the internet, like a computer or phone.
Biometric Details -: Biometric details are unique physical characteristics, like fingerprints or face shapes, used to identify people.
2020 -: 2020 is the year when India decided to ban TikTok and other Chinese apps because of security concerns.
India -: India is a large country in South Asia, known for its diverse culture and history. It has a democratic government.
Banned -: Banned means something is not allowed to be used or done. India banned TikTok to protect its people’s information.
