TikTok confirms US urged parting ways with ByteDance to dodge ban

Activists argue a ban would be an attack on free speech, and stifle the export of American culture and values to TikTok users around the world. — AFP

SAN FRANCISCO: TikTok confirmed Wednesday that US officials have recommended the popular video-sharing app part ways with its Chinese parent ByteDance to avoid a national ban.

Western powers, including the European Union and the United States, have been taking an increasingly tough approach to the app, citing fears that user data could be used or abused by Chinese officials.