TikTok faces a possible ban in the United States over charges of spying on Americans, and now a neighboring country has warned its citizens not to use the popular app. Canada's intelligence chief said Canadians, including teenagers, should not use the app because China has obtained Canadians' personal information.
“My answer as director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is that there is a very clear strategy on the part of the Chinese government to be able to obtain personal information from anyone in the world. '' CSIS Director David Vigneault said in an interview with CBC.
Vigneault said it was “very clear” from the app's design that the data collected from users was “available to the Chinese government.”
“Personally, I would never recommend anyone to use TikTok. [People’s Republic of China]They will have a lot of information about you,” he added.
“China develops AI using user data”
Vigneault also claimed that China uses user data to develop AI and wants to protect the interests of the Chinese Communist Party.
“They are using big data analytics, they have amazing computer farms processing the data, and they are developing artificial intelligence based on the use of this data,” Vigneault said, according to the publication.
“The ultimate goal is always to protect the interests of the Chinese Communist Party. From that perspective, this is a threat to our way of life in many ways,” he added.
TikTok opinions
Canadian TikTok spokesperson Daniel Morgan said CSIS' claims are “not supported by evidence.”
“TikTok has never shared Canadian user data with the Chinese government and would not respond if asked to do so,” she was quoted as saying.
“Taking one platform out and making baseless accusations will not make Canadians safer. We will continue to work with Canadian authorities to ensure the privacy and safety of Canadians. “We would welcome the opportunity to meet with CSIS to discuss protections,” she added.
