The world is no stranger to the massive popularity of TikTok, the viral social media app where people can create 60-second videos lip syncing, dancing, and making creative content. Owned by ByteDance, the Chinese multinational internet technology company, TikTok has been a major player in the tech industry for years, reaching millions of users worldwide.
However, in recent months, TikTok has faced a major roadblock that could significantly impact its success. The United States government, led by President Donald Trump, has threatened to ban the app due to security concerns. The fear is that the app’s access to users’ personal data is putting American national security at risk.
As a result, ByteDance has been exploring the possibility of selling the platform to a US-based company. Microsoft, Oracle, and Walmart have been named as possible buyers, and reports suggest that TikTok could fetch between $25 billion and $30 billion.
But what does this have to do with China and whiteboards? Well, it turns out that whiteboards have played a major role in the US government’s investigation into TikTok’s potential threat to national security.
In July 2020, the US House of Representatives’ Select Committee on Intelligence held a virtual hearing regarding TikTok’s data privacy policies. During the hearing, Republican Congressman Jim Jordan presented a PowerPoint presentation on a whiteboard, outlining his concerns about TikTok’s data collection practices.
The whiteboard had several bullet points, including “TikTok censors content viewed as politically incorrect”, “TikTok has a history of promoting apps and websites that steal user data”, and “TikTok tracks user location and browsing history”. The whiteboard’s content was used to argue that TikTok posed a national security threat to the US.
The use of a simple whiteboard in a high-profile government hearing underscores the importance of visual aids in communicating complex information. While PowerPoint presentations have been ubiquitous for years, the simplicity and flexibility of a whiteboard allowed the congressman to make his point in a clear and concise manner.
The connection between whiteboards, China, and TikTok may seem tenuous, but it underscores the larger issue of national security and the role that tech companies play in it. While TikTok may be the current focus of the US government’s scrutiny, other Chinese tech companies are also under investigation for similar concerns.
For those who work in the tech industry, this issue highlights the importance of data privacy and security in all aspects of tech development. As more and more people rely on technology to connect with others, shop, and conduct business, it’s crucial that tech companies take steps to ensure that user data is protected.
Whether TikTok is ultimately sold to a US-based company or banned altogether, the conversation around data privacy and security will continue to be a central topic in the tech industry. And who knows – perhaps whiteboards will continue to play an important role in highlighting these issues in a clear and concise manner.
In conclusion, the potential sale of TikTok to a US-based company has sparked a larger conversation about national security and data privacy in the tech industry. The use of a whiteboard in a recent political hearing underscores the importance of clear communication and visual aids in conveying complex information. As the conversation around data security continues to evolve, it’s important for tech companies to take steps to protect user data and address security concerns.