NEW DELHI: As the US moves forward with efforts to separate TikTok from its Chinese parent company ByteDance with the recently passed legislation by the House of Representatives, experts predict that Beijing will firmly reject any forced sale of the app and its “secret sauce” algorithm.
Despite TikTok’s attempts to demonstrate its independence from Beijing to Congress, China has vehemently defended the company, not wanting to set a precedent where a Chinese firm is coerced into selling one of its key assets, including its highly sought-after algorithm.
Analysts describe the US government’s actions as akin to daylight robbery, with Beijing’s response being relatively restrained so far. Mei Xinyu, a Beijing-based economist, told AFP that, “this kind of threat is like daylight robbery. All things considered, the Chinese government’s actions so far have been very mild.”
The US has raised concerns about TikTok being a security threat due to China potentially accessing and using the vast amounts of data collected by the app for alleged espionage. TikTok refutes these claims, highlighting the nearly $1.5 billion in “Project Texas” to store US user data within the country. However, skepticism remains among lawmakers and security agencies, including the FBI.
‘Secret sauce’ algorithm
Central to the debate is TikTok’s algorithm, which has played a significant role in the app’s rapid growth since its international launch in 2017. This algorithm analyzes user interactions and preferences to deliver personalized content, contributing to TikTok’s success in attracting over one billion users in just four years.
Discussions surrounding a potential sale of TikTok have consistently revolved around its algorithm, especially after the US government’s attempts to ban the app in 2020. The Chinese government’s classification of user data analysis algorithms as protected technology further complicates the situation, requiring approval for their export.
While TikTok claims to store US user data and its recommendation algorithm on Oracle servers in the US, reports suggest that Chinese employees frequently update the algorithm, posing challenges for oversight.
Despite assertions from TikTok’s CEO that the app will not be influenced by any government, Beijing remains steadfast in its opposition to the proposed legislation, emphasizing the need to safeguard Chinese companies.
Chinese officials have expressed concerns over the potential implications for other Chinese firms if TikTok is forced into a sale. The nationalist sentiment in China adds to the resistance against the bill, reflecting a mix of nationalist pride and frustration with perceived pressure from the US.
(With AFP inputs)
Despite TikTok’s attempts to demonstrate its independence from Beijing to Congress, China has vehemently defended the company, not wanting to set a precedent where a Chinese firm is coerced into selling one of its key assets, including its highly sought-after algorithm.
Analysts describe the US government’s actions as akin to daylight robbery, with Beijing’s response being relatively restrained so far. Mei Xinyu, a Beijing-based economist, told AFP that, “this kind of threat is like daylight robbery. All things considered, the Chinese government’s actions so far have been very mild.”
The US has raised concerns about TikTok being a security threat due to China potentially accessing and using the vast amounts of data collected by the app for alleged espionage. TikTok refutes these claims, highlighting the nearly $1.5 billion in “Project Texas” to store US user data within the country. However, skepticism remains among lawmakers and security agencies, including the FBI.
‘Secret sauce’ algorithm
Central to the debate is TikTok’s algorithm, which has played a significant role in the app’s rapid growth since its international launch in 2017. This algorithm analyzes user interactions and preferences to deliver personalized content, contributing to TikTok’s success in attracting over one billion users in just four years.
Discussions surrounding a potential sale of TikTok have consistently revolved around its algorithm, especially after the US government’s attempts to ban the app in 2020. The Chinese government’s classification of user data analysis algorithms as protected technology further complicates the situation, requiring approval for their export.
While TikTok claims to store US user data and its recommendation algorithm on Oracle servers in the US, reports suggest that Chinese employees frequently update the algorithm, posing challenges for oversight.
Despite assertions from TikTok’s CEO that the app will not be influenced by any government, Beijing remains steadfast in its opposition to the proposed legislation, emphasizing the need to safeguard Chinese companies.
Chinese officials have expressed concerns over the potential implications for other Chinese firms if TikTok is forced into a sale. The nationalist sentiment in China adds to the resistance against the bill, reflecting a mix of nationalist pride and frustration with perceived pressure from the US.
(With AFP inputs)
