Trump dismissed concerns about China's access to TikTok user data

US President Donald Trump gave his first interview as the 47th head of state. In it, he dismissed concerns that TikTok's data collection could make personal information vulnerable to China.

This is reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing his conversation with a Fox News journalist.

During the interview, host Sean Hannity asked Trump about the problems associated with the TikTok social network, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance and therefore falls under China's data collection requirements. He also noted that some people are calling the app a “spyware program for Communist China,” to which Trump responded as follows.

“Is it really that important for China to spy on young people? Kids watching crazy videos?,” the US president said.

In addition, he emphasized that the United States has many goods made in China, in particular smartphones. But nobody mentions that.

“But you can say that about everything that's made in China. Look, we have phones made in China, for the most part, we have so many things made in China, so why don't they mention that? You know, the interesting thing about TikTok is that you're dealing with a lot of young people. So, is it that important for China to spy on young people, young kids, watch crazy videos?,” Trump said, asking a question.

Trump's actions on TikTok

Let's recall that on Monday, January 20, the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump took place. One of his first acts in office was to sign an executive order to delay a ban on TikTok in the United States, which was set to take effect on Sunday, and it did, in part. The app was temporarily blocked.

During the interview, Trump also said that “a lot of people want to buy” the social network in the United States, which would allow it to continue operating domestically without violating the law.

In particular, on Tuesday he said that he was open to TikTok being bought by billionaires Elon Musk or Larry Ellison in a joint venture with the United States government. At the same time, he suggested that the potential buyer transfer 50% of the shares to the state, which would ensure obtaining the necessary permission and a reliable partner.