05 February 2023 , 21:38
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People should delete TikTok from their phones to keep personal data safe from hostile threats, a senior MP has said.
Tory Alicia Kearns, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, suggested the video-sharing platform is linked to China’s efforts to build a “tech totalitarian state”.
There have been concerns around TikTok’s links to China because its parent company is Chinese and critics fear data could be passed to the state.
Last year, TikTok executive Liz Kanter insisted the platform has not been asked for UK user data by the Chinese government and would not provide it if it was.
But speaking after the US shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon, Ms Kearns told Sky’s Sophy Ridge: “We are being naive.
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The Tory MP said everyone should be 'concerned' about the app (Getty Images)“We’ve now seen that people working in China for TikTok hacked into European data so it could track down the source of a journalist.
“TikTok gives away the data that makes you most vulnerable.
“There’s a reason why China has this app. There’s a reason why they’re buying up gay dating apps.”
She warned: “Everyone should be concerned."
A TikTok spokesperson said: “TikTok is enjoyed by millions of people across the UK, and we want to be clear that they can trust us with their data. We're taking steps like storing UK user data in our data centre operations in Ireland, starting this year; further reducing employee access to data; and minimising data flows outside of Europe.
“We have written to Ms. Kearns on a number of occasions to ensure she has all the facts and information available and we look forward to having constructive engagement with her on these important issues in the near future.”