One billion users, but trouble mounts for TikTok

TikTok's editing features and powerful algorithm have kept it ahead of the game, attracting an army of creators and influencers. But the algorithm is opaque and often accused of leading users into digital content silos. — Photography Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP

TikTok's breakneck rise from niche video-sharing app to global social media behemoth has brought plenty of scrutiny, particularly over its links to China.

Several governments have banned the app from their equipment over fears that data could be viewed by officials in Beijing, and the United States is now trying to force Chinese parent company ByteDance to sell its prized asset.