In a written response submitted before the hearing, Shouzi Chew, CEO of TikTok’s parent company, emphasized that they have never shared US user data with the Chinese government, nor have they ever received any such request. Chew also argued that the US government’s ban on TikTok use on government-issued phones would only harm the US economy and hinder competition.
The statement comes amid ongoing concerns about data privacy and national security risks associated with Chinese tech companies. The US government has taken steps to restrict the use of Chinese-owned apps, including TikTok, citing concerns over potential data theft and espionage.