TikTok CEO to testify before Congress in March 

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is set to testify before Congress, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers announced on Monday, as several government officials continue to raise concerns about the social media platform’s data privacy. 

Chew will testify on March 23, where he will be the sole witness at the hearing about TikTok’s privacy and data security practices, the platform’s impact on kids, and their relationship with the Chinese Communist Party, according to a hearing announcement on the committee’s website.

“ByteDance-owned TikTok has knowingly allowed the ability for the Chinese Communist Party to access American user data. Americans deserve to know how these actions impact their privacy and data security, as well as what actions TikTok is taking to keep our kids safe from online and offline harms,” said Committee Chair McMorris Rodgers.

“We’ve made our concerns clear with TikTok. It is now time to continue the committee’s efforts to hold Big Tech accountable by bringing TikTok before the committee to provide complete and honest answers for people,” she continued.

Over the past several months, U.S. officials have raised concerns about the social media platform’s data privacy policies, fearing that American user data is being shared with the Chinese Communist Party and could be used for intelligence or disinformation purposes.  

Several states have taken action by banning the application on government-owned devices. Similarly, Congress passed a measure in December banning TikTok from federal devices. 

Next month, the House foreign affairs committee will hold a vote on a bill aiming to block the use of TikTok in the United States. 

TikTok, however, has continuously denied that the Chinese Communist Party has direct or indirect control over the company, according to a company spokesman. 

“We welcome the opportunity to set the record straight about TikTok, ByteDance, and the commitments we are making to address concerns about US national security before the House committee on energy and commerce,” the spokesman said

“By sharing details of our comprehensive plans with the full committee, Congress can take a more deliberative approach to the issues at hand,” the spokesman added.