TikTok Acknowledges Storage of Sensitive American Creator Data in China, Raises Concerns over Data Security

TikTok, the popular video-sharing app, has come under scrutiny after admitting that sensitive information about American creators who participate in its monetization program is stored in China. The acknowledgment followed a letter from bipartisan Senate leaders to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, expressing concerns about the company’s previous claims regarding data storage locations for U.S. users.

In response to the Senate’s inquiry, TikTok clarified that there is a distinction between user data collected through the app and information voluntarily provided by creators for monetization purposes. The former is stored in TikTok’s data centers in the United States and Singapore, as previously claimed. However, the company did not explicitly disclose the location of the data provided by creators, including tax forms and social security numbers, which Forbes investigations found to be stored in China.

TikTok’s letter to the Senate defended its previous statements, stating, “We were asked about, and our testimony focused on, the protected user data collected in the app—not creator data.” The company further explained that “creator data” falls under specific exceptions that were determined during negotiations with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) as part of ongoing national security discussions.

According to TikTok, the exceptions include public data, business metrics, interoperability data, and certain creator data when creators voluntarily participate in commercial programs to reach wider audiences and monetize their content. The company maintained that it complies with applicable regulations related to audit, accounting, tax, and other requirements when collecting and retaining such information.

However, Senators Richard Blumenthal and Marsha Blackburn expressed skepticism regarding TikTok’s claims and raised concerns about the storage of personal data within the reach of the Chinese government. In a joint statement, they stated, “TikTok executives appear to have repeatedly and intentionally misled Congress when answering how the company secures and protects the data of Americans.”

This recent revelation adds to the mounting controversy surrounding TikTok’s data practices. Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Marco Rubio has called for a Justice Department investigation into whether TikTok’s CEO committed perjury during his testimony. Furthermore, 13 House Republicans have joined the call for an investigation.

Regarding concerns about data access by Chinese officials, TikTok stated that it has not been asked to share the data with the Chinese government or the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The company also claimed that data deletion was underway for “protected data,” although this did not include the personal information provided by top creators for payment purposes.

The ongoing debate over TikTok’s data practices highlights the broader concerns about the security and privacy of user data in the digital age. As the company faces increased scrutiny from lawmakers, it remains to be seen how these issues will impact its operations and relationships with U.S. authorities.