The National Security Council’s Assistant Director General, Jonathan Malaya, has stated that a potential nationwide ban on TikTok is being considered if it’s proven to be involved in cyber espionage.
Malaya, who chairs the task force examining TikTok’s impact on national security, emphasized the need to evaluate the potential threats posed by the app, particularly its features that could compromise user data and compromise national security.
The ongoing investigation, focused on personnel connected to the military and security agencies, is assessing TikTok’s potential as a threat.
Malaya highlighted that TikTok’s parent company, Bytedance, being Chinese, is obligated to cooperate with the Chinese government under their laws. The investigation is particularly scrutinizing TikTok’s impact on state personnel.
Malaya noted that the task force has engaged with TikTok representatives in the Philippines, seeking their perspective and a position paper addressing the espionage allegations. The investigation is expected to conclude next month, with findings to be submitted for review.
Notably, other countries like the United States, India, and Canada have taken steps to ban TikTok.
YOU MIGHT WANT TO READ:
ManilaShaker is a tech media producing insightful and helpful content for our local and growing international audience. Our goal is to create a premier Philippine digital consumer electronics resource that provides the most objective reviews and comparisons globally.
