TikTok's Conflict of Interest with the US Government: Between Big Data Security and Economics (2017-2023)

Abstract

State capabilities in securing cyberspace will determine national security in the real world because cyber data is related to conventional information. This condition makes cybersecurity a complex domain because of its virtual nature, but it can impact aspects in real space. This complexity is also because all parties can access cyber, causing conflicts such as competition for big data interests. This study aims to determine the dispute between TikTok and the United States government over the security of its users' data, especially users from the United States. The United States accuses TikTok of misusing US user data for Chinese intelligence. However, TikTok has denied the allegations. The qualitative method used in this research is based on data collection techniques through a literature study with secondary data support. As a result, TikTok requires user data for product and service development purposes. While the United States is more than that, big data users are a national asset determining their global economic position. There is no hard evidence to suggest that TikTok provided the Chinese government with the data of users from the United States. This paper also views the US government's interest as an extension of the local private sector. This view is based on the finding that TikTok's profits and popularity are far above their all-American competitors.