Data security remains an ongoing concern for TikTok

For several years, TikTok has faced an ongoing barrage of criticism regarding its data handling. These concerns were initially sparked when the United States banned the app on government phones, and later affected other countries such as Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Byte Dance is committed to improving data security

Despite TikTok's attempts to reassure the public about data security, leaders of major Western nations remain skeptical that user-generated data is being transmitted to Beijing's servers. To address these concerns, Byte Dance, TikTok's parent company, decided to take proactive action: it launched a comprehensive review of its data storage and security practices, relying on the expertise of an established cybersecurity company with based in the UK.

Project Clover: a plan to ensure European data protection

The review of controls and safeguards within TikTok is part of the wider 'Project Clover' initiative, which aims to ensure the safe transit of European user-generated data to TikTok's new data center in Dublin. This project complies with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which came into force in 2018.

The future of TikTok data security

TikTok has made important steps to protect the data of its 150 million European users. By April 2024, data will be stored in three data centers, two in Dublin and one in Norway. From September 2023, the appointed security company will have the authority to carry out comprehensive checks to ensure that only authorized personnel can access user information and that it is stored in secure environments. These measures should finally dispel accusations that Chinese intelligence may be using and analyzing user data for its own interests, thus providing greater peace of mind for TikTok users.