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Decryption- In an effort to calm suspicions about data exploitation in China, the social network is repatriating data on its European users to Ireland and Norway, a project that is in its final stages but has raised skepticism among some observers.
although TikTok faces threat of ban in UShe is investing heavily to restore his image in the Old Continent. The Chinese subsidiary of ByteDance wants to convince regulators, lawmakers and the public of its sincerity in protecting the data of its 150 million users.
Social networks are often accused of not being transparent about how they handle user data. Some even worry they are being used by Beijing for espionage purposes. The European Commission and some Member States, Countries including France have banned their civil servants from using social networks on smartphones and professional computers for more than a year.
‘Safe enclave’
Faced with this distrust, TikTok promised a year ago to move European users’ data back to the old continentwhich were previously stored in the United States and Singapore. The project is codenamed: “Clover”. It represents an investment of 12 billion euros over ten years. The goal is to host the user’s data locally, but we want to further restrict access to this data and appoint a trusted third party to be responsible for its security, monitor data flows, and report any incidents ” explained Jade Nester, TikTok’s head of European data management. The UK’s National Cybersecurity Commission (NCC) has been accused of “ Making sure TikTok does what it wants added Stephen Bailey, NCC Group Chief Privacy Officer.
The data transfer is now in the final stages. It is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The first data center has been operational in Dublin since September last year. The second is currently being tested in Norway. TikTok has already started testing its servers. The third center, also in Dublin, will open by the end of this year.
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The NCC’s mission began with an audit of TikTok’s infrastructure. For five months, we have conducted monthly security and data privacy checks on the TikTok website and its iPhone and Android apps. Assure Stephen Bailey. We ensured that the data was anonymized. We also visited the data center twice to check. We will repeat these checks regularly. »
TikTok hopes to create a ” Safe Enclave ». « We set up a “digital barrier” around user data, and we control the source code and all updates in real time. Stephen Bailey, to be exact. No updates can enter the secure enclave we created without control. We have a holistic view of everything that happens in this cloud environment. This enables us to report the slightest changes or anomalies to TikTok. ».
Communication Style
In the United States, TikTok launched the Texas project in 2020, but it was not enough to convince US lawmakers and the Biden administration. The social network hopes to achieve this goal in Europe with Clover. ” It is a unique monitoring device. Jed Nestor believes it. We hope to respond to the concerns of European regulators and the security expectations of users by providing greater transparency. This will be a continuous improvement process. ».
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But the Clover project has left some observers skeptical. It is first and foremost a form of communication that responds to concerns. Sophie Le Goff, partner at compliance expert Sia Partners, believes. Even before Clover, TikTok was already subject to GDPR, which protects the data of European citizens around the world. “Shamrock Project Does not ensure a block against China, nor address security issues associated with the use of the app », estimates Senator (Horizon) Claude Malhuret, author of a scathing report on TikTok published last July.
He questioned Degree of reliability and independence » From a trusted third party designated by TikTok. He also Maintain the possibility to transfer data to China and grant access rights to engineers and employees based in China ». « They work on adjusting algorithms every day and need to constantly analyze user data and behavior. Claude Malhouet added. Why control over algorithms remains in China ? »
Extraterritoriality issues
What TikTok distinguishes is actually the so-called ” Restricted ”, which means that TikTok’s employees in China are prohibited from accessing the names, phone numbers or email addresses of its users. On the other hand, in “ Undergo strict verification and control processes “They are allowed access” Certain other categories of data, such as public information or videos, interoperability data, previously anonymized, etc. that are essential to allow interaction between users ”, replied Jed Nestor.
Another question worth being vigilant about is: Are TikTok’s data centers in Europe subject to Chinese law? China’s extraterritoriality does not apply to the European data centers run by TikTok UK and TikTok Ireland. Assure Jade Nester. The Chinese government cannot force European countries to hand over TikTok’s data. Project Clover aims to solve these problems. »
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« We cannot rule out that China’s data security laws may apply to European territory. Sophie Le Goff points out. There is still a gray area that needs to be vigilant. The law actually stipulates that “if the processing of data outside the territory of the People’s Republic of China damages the national security of the People’s Republic of China, the social public interest, or the legitimate rights and interests of individuals or organizations of the People’s Republic of China, legal liability shall be investigated in accordance with the law.” It will be reviewed in accordance with the law. »
TikTok is under heavy scrutiny in Europe. In February, the social network was investigated for alleged obstruction of the Digital Services Regulation (DSA), particularly in areas related to the protection of minors. In September 2023, Brussels already fined TikTok 345 million euros for GDPR violations.
In April, the European Commission dealt a new blow to TikTok. The social network had to suspend its TikTok Lite appwhich rewards time spent in front of screens due to the risk of addiction. Its image has been tarnished again in New Caledonia in recent days. It has been accused of promoting violence, The social network has been temporarily bannedWhen he sought to reestablish his virginity in Europe, he would have done well without the publicity.
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