DOJ Accuses TikTok and ByteDance of Collecting Sensitive User Data, Defends Law to Force Sale or Ban Over National Security Concerns

Jul 27, 2024, 10:30 AM

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has accused TikTok of collecting data on American users' views on sensitive topics such as gun control, abortion, and religion. The DOJ claims that TikTok, under the direction of its China-based parent company ByteDance, censored content and stored user data in China. This has raised significant concerns about national security and content manipulation. In a court filing on Friday, the DOJ is defending a law that would either force TikTok to divest its U.S. assets or face a ban. The law aims to prevent China from using TikTok to gather data on U.S. users or spread propaganda. TikTok has filed a lawsuit against the legislation, arguing that it violates First Amendment rights.