Markey Probes TikTok-USDS Data Security Amid National Security Concerns

Senator Ed Markey has requested TikTok USDS and Oracle to explain how they protect U.S. user data and prevent foreign interference. Concerns arise after TikTok's data operations were transferred to avoid an American ban. Lawmakers demand transparency, with national security risks and data protection under scrutiny.

U.S. Senator Ed Markey has formally asked TikTok's U.S. joint venture, TikTok USDS, and cloud computing giant Oracle to clarify how they are safeguarding American user data and deterring foreign entities from influencing video content. This request follows a deal transferring control of the app's U.S. user data to prevent a government ban, a move finalized four months ago by its Chinese owner, ByteDance.

Oracle is a managing investor in the joint venture, set to secure TikTok's algorithm in its U.S. cloud infrastructure. TikTok USDS aims to ensure data privacy, but so far, Oracle, TikTok USDS, and the White House have remained silent on the arrangement. Despite Congress’s demand for details, no hearings have been scheduled.

Concerns grow over potential national security risks, as President Trump chose not to enforce a 2024 April law mandating ByteDance to divest its U.S. assets. Instead, the Supreme Court upheld the decision for control transfer to TikTok USDS, owned 80.1% by American and global investors with ByteDance holding the rest. Markey pressed for more transparency on cybersecurity measures and Oracle's review of ByteDance’s source code.