Chinese app TikTok has issued a statement following the executive order signed by US President Donald Trump, which bans it from doing any business in the country.
“For nearly a year, we have sought to engage with the US government in good faith to provide a constructive solution to the concerns that have been expressed. What we encountered instead was that the Administration paid no attention to facts, dictated terms of an agreement without going through standard legal processes, and tried to insert itself into negotiations between private businesses,” TikTok said.
The company accused the US government of not following the due process before issuing the executive order. “We made clear our intentions to work with the appropriate officials to devise a solution to benefit our users, creators, partners, employees, and the broader community in the United States. There has been, and continues to be, no due process or adherence to the law,” it further added.
TikTok also claims that the executive order relies on unnamed reports with no citations, fears that the app may be used for misinformation campaigns.
The ByteDance-owned company further stated that it has never shared user data with the Chinese government, nor censored content at its request. To ensure accountability, TikTok has made it moderation guidelines and algorithm source code available in its Transparency Center, and also expressed the willingness to pursue a full sale of its US business to Microsoft.
“We want the 100 million Americans who love our platform because it is your home for expression, entertainment, and connection to know: TikTok has never, and will never, waver in our commitment to you. We prioritise your safety, security, and the trust of our community – always. As TikTok users, creators, partners, and family, you have the right to express your opinions to your elected representatives, including the White House,” the statement read.
Trump’s executive order also includes Chinese app WeChat, which will be banned from doing business after 45 days. The executive order is said to have taken cues from India’s action against Chinese apps, which has banned a total of 106 apps, citing national security concerns.
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