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Chew Shou Zi, CEO of the popular social media platform TikTok, has taken to its platform to share his thoughts about testifying in front of the U.S. Congress.
In addition, the Singaporean also shared the updates to TikTok's community guidelines.
Recently, the Biden Administration has demanded that TikTok's China owners should sell their stakes in the social media platform or face a possible U.S. ban.
This was amid rising concerns and fears that TikTok's U.S. user data could be shared with the Chinese government.
Chew appeared before the U.S. Congressional Committee on Mar. 23, 2023, where U.S. lawmakers grilled him for approximately five hours.
Chew denied that TikTok shared its U.S. user data with China or had any ties with the Chinese government, which he emphasised in his written statement of testimony.
As of March 2023, TikTok has updated its community guidelines.
Shou reaffirms TikTok's responsibility to its users
In his TikTok video posted on Mar. 24, 2023, Chew reiterated the "important message" conveyed during the hearing despite "a lot being said".
"The important message, that it is our responsibility to protect more than 150 million Americans who love and use our platform," he said.
In order to help make TikTok " a safe place to connect, create, share and learn", Chew shared four "commitments" to its users.
Keeping TikTok safe
Chew stated that TikTok would continue to "keep safety" a priority, especially for teenagers.
During the testimony, some lawmakers accused TikTok of promoting harmful content to children, Reuters reported.
In addition, Chew reiterated that TikTok would continue to protect its users' data from unauthorised foreign access.
He used the U.S. as an example.
"In the U.S., American data will be stored on American soil, by an American company, overseen by American personnel," Chew explained.
He also emphasised that TikTok will remain a platform for "free expression" and "it cannot be manipulated by any government".
Chew ended the video by promising transparency, stating TikTok will give access to third-party independent monitors to keep them accountable for their commitments.
"We know that trust is built with every decision we make. We are proud of the groundbreaking work we are doing to be the most trusted platform in the world," he concluded.
@tiktokOur CEO Shou shares his thoughts about the recent congressional hearing and everything TikTok is doing to make it a safe place to connect, create, share and learn.♬ original sound - TikTok
Netizens express their overwhelming support for Chew
TikTok users have rallied behind the platform's CEO to express their trust and support.
Screenshot via TikTok
Screenshot via TikTok
Screenshot via TikTok
Some netizens even said they trust TikTok and Chew more than other social media platforms and CEOs.
Screenshot via TikTok
Screenshot via TikTok
Screenshot vis TikTok
Unclear if ban will happen in the U.S.
It remains unclear whether legislation will be passed in the U.S. to ban TikTok in light of the hearing.
Recently, the British Parliament became the latest government body to ban TikTok from government devices over security concerns, Reuters stated.
In Singapore, the Smart Nation and Digital Government Group announced that TikTok would only be allowed to be downloaded onto government-issued devices on a "need-to" basis.
Watch the full video of the hearing here.
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@mothershipsg In other news, swimming pools are being probed to see if they use water #tiktoksg #congress #uscongress ♬ original sound - Mothership.sg
@mothershipsg its shou-time #tiktoksg #tiktokusa #congress ♬ original sound - Mothership.sg
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Top photos via TikTok