Technology secretary Peter Kyle has expressed genuine concerns about TikTok's ownership model and data use, despite describing the app as a 'desirable product' that can deliver 'exhilaration' to users. Speaking to the Guardian, Kyle highlighted the balance the UK government must strike between security risks and the app's popularity, particularly among young people.
Kyle's comments come after US courts upheld a law that could ban or force a sale of TikTok in the US, though President Donald Trump paused the ban for 75 days. A recent Rutgers University study suggested heavy US users of TikTok showed a 50% increase in pro-China attitudes, raising fears of propaganda. Kyle acknowledged the risk of TikTok being used as a 'propaganda vehicle' but said the government would act publicly if concerns arose.
The technology secretary noted lessons from the US ban, which he said could push users to the Chinese version of the app, potentially harvesting data and feeding propaganda. He emphasised the UK's careful approach to its relationship with China and other countries hostile to British values, though an aide clarified the latter did not include China.
TikTok stressed that its UK service is provided by a UK-registered company, spending £10bn to protect user data in the UK and Europe, with independent monitoring. It denied Chinese government ownership, stating parent company ByteDance is majority-owned by international investors, with founder Zhang Yiming holding 20%.
