Tiktok ban: Is China stealing data? Anonymous says govt using app as spyware and the ‘price is genocide’
Ever since Trump’s administration announced that they are looking into banning the widely used Chinese app TikTok, hundreds of thousands of its users have been left disheartened over losing it. Although many are of the opinion that the social media app was serving as a breeding ground for pedophiles and sexual predators, it seems like TikTok’s young users just aren’t willing to let go of it yet.
On July 10, international hacktivist group Anonymous took to Twitter to share some chilling details about the Chinese government allegedly using TikTok to pry on its users, explaining how continuing to use or support the app could lead to genocide. The first tweet by Anonymous read, "Tiktok is used as spyware by the Chinese government. The app grabs not only your info but that of friends, family and acquaintances. It uses that info to find/spy on people critical of the CCP, if they happen to be Chinese or have family in China they go after them. #TiktokBan."
It stated in the following tweet, “The Chinese government is using various espionage operations & spyware like Tiktok to target people and facilitate genocide. The continued use of Tiktok is direct support for the CCP. You are free to keep using it but the price is genocide. #TiktokBan." Soon, #TikTokBan started trending on Twitter once again as people used the platform to respond to the post by Anonymous.
Seconding the Hacktivist group's post, one user wrote, "Just an FYI guys - you're not only putting yourselves at risk but anyone in your contacts list. PS — It's absolute insanity and unconscionable to allow a child under the age of 16 to use the app as well... food for thought." Another added, “Don't support #CCP China by using TikTok, we can dance on another app that doesn't steal your user data to oppress people #TikTokBan #tiktokdown #DeleteTikTok."
Tiktok was also down for a few minutes. While many thought it was only a technical glitch, a few suspected Anonymous' involvements in it. "Hey #tiktok if you haven't seen the news. You are welcome. So that glitch was probably yo boy #Anonymous #TiktokBan," wrote one user.
Meanwhile, some TikTok fans continue to rally for cancellation on its ban as they have benefited a lot from the Chinese app. "In my experience, Tiktok actually gave a platform to minorities and the youth of US like never before. I learned so much about the US government that would never be covered in the news or school. It's a platform that connects millions of youth all over to bring change," tweeted one.