TikTok declined to testify at a US congressional hearing on risks to American consumers

TikTok has become one of very few Chinese-owned apps that achieved success outside of China. TikTok currently ranks first in the entertainment category in the US iPhone app store, according to data provider Sensor Tower. — SCMP

TikTok, the short-video app owned by China’s ByteDance, declined to testify at a congressional hearing slated for Nov 5 scheduled by Republican Senator Josh Hawley to discuss its business and risks to American consumers.

Hawley had invited TikTok and Apple to testify at the hearing. Apple, too, declined to participate, leading Hawley to question in a tweet whether the two companies have “something to hide”. Hawley didn’t immediately respond to a comment inquiry sent via his website.