Popular TikTok is at risk of being blocked in the US: government would like to ban Chinese app over security concerns
The US is ready to block TikTok and ban its use for security reasons. The popular app for making short videos, which is very popular among young people, would have flaws that allow the Chinese government to spy on us. For this reason, the authorities in India have already banned its use.
The alarm about security problems arising from TikTok had arrived in recent days also from Anonymous. The hacker group had told of having seen the code and found a malware able to spy on unsuspecting users. The hackers then claim that the malware is managed by the Chinese government and for this reason they had asked users to delete it. A plea that went unheeded, so much so that the app continued to be one of the most downloaded and used. For this reason, governments are thinking autonomously about whether to ban it or to ban it.
TikTok, the US is also moving towards a ban like India
In recent days, India has taken action, declaring a ban on the use of TikTok. A move that would also be shared by the United States, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo admitting during an interview with Fox News that the government is considering a ban on the popular app.
Not only TikTok, Pompeo explains that fears of espionage by China are serious and well-founded, so much so that there are several Chinese apps that could be banned by the US. A decision that follows in all respects that of India, which in addition to TikTok has banned 58 other applications considered at risk for security issues. A decision that the US Secretary of State praised during the interview.
TikTok fuels US-China tensions
Can a simple app like TikTok mark international relations between China and the US? The answer seems to be yes, as tensions between the two powers are now skyrocketing. The fears of spying by China on other governments are frightening and the delicate international geopolitical balances are entrusted to a "simple" app.
The story becomes serious and feeds the trade disputes and discontent already born after the U.S. government had blocked trade relations with Huawei, a ban that has been extended until 2021. Meanwhile, the use of TikTok has already been banned by the Pentagon to its employees, as well as institutions for now advise against its installation and use.
TikTok, the appeal of Anonymous: "Delete it"
And there are instead those like the hackers of Anonymous, who after viewing the code launches an even more heartfelt appeal to users and defines it a "public danger". In a message of a few days ago, the hacker collective declared: "Delete TikTok immediately, if you know someone who is using it explain that it is a malware managed by the Chinese government that is conducting a mass espionage operation". An appeal that, if left unheard, will force governments to impose bans to preserve national security.