Chinese Apps Pose National Security Risks, Experts Warn

Due to China's policies, apps like TikTok have become potential security threats for developing nations. Experts highlight the extensive data collection by these apps, which poses significant privacy and security concerns. Taiwan's legal safeguards contrast sharply with issues reported in other nations, leading to some governments banning TikTok.

Chinese apps, such as TikTok, have emerged as potential national security threats for developing countries, according to Focus Taiwan, which cited CNA on Monday. Tzeng Yi-suo, an associate research fellow at INDSR's Division of Cyber Security and Decision-making Simulation, stated, 'Information security risks are national security risks. As long as the TikTok app is under the jurisdiction of the Chinese government, there will essentially be security concerns.'

He explained that commercial companies collect user data and employ algorithms for targeted information and marketing. Tzeng emphasized that in democratic nations governed by the rule of law, such as Taiwan, legal procedures must be followed if the information is used in judicial cases, according to Focus Taiwan.

Several documents published online vividly illustrate how Chinese apps collect data and utilize it for their own purposes. A Guardian report last year detailed TikTok's extensive data collection, including location information such as altitude, pointing to the floor of a building where a user is situated.

Another report by Forbes in 2019 revealed that TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, gathers comprehensive user data, including basic information, location, and device details, as well as sensitive data like IP addresses, login credentials, and biometric data. In June 2020, the Indian government banned TikTok due to concerns over national security and data privacy, fearing misuse of personal data and potential compromise of user privacy.

(With inputs from agencies.)