TikTok, National Security, and the Lingering Risks Beyond the Deal

 

Despite the collapse of the high-profile TikTok deal amidst rising tensions in the U.S.-China trade war, the national security concerns surrounding TikTok remain unresolved. The platform's reach, influence, and potential exploitation by foreign adversaries continue to be a serious topic of debate in Washington and beyond.

Three Primary National Security Risks Identified by U.S. Lawmakers

1. Influence Operations
   The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) could leverage TikTok as a propaganda tool to influence U.S. public opinion and sway political discourse, especially among younger voters. While difficult to prove in concrete terms, this is a long-term geopolitical concern.

2. Mass Data Collection
   TikTok's algorithm depends on massive personal data harvesting, including location, behavior, and device identifiers. While China is known to collect data on Americans via various platforms, experts argue there is little evidence yet that this data has been weaponized effectively.

3. Malicious Software Injection ✅
   The most immediate and serious concern is the potential for TikTok’s app to be used as a backdoor to inject spyware or malicious code into American devices, especially those belonging to government officials, contractors, or critical infrastructure personnel.

A Legal & Strategic Loophole

The lack of federal privacy legislation in the United States continues to create an open door for foreign entities to legally collect and store massive amounts of personal data. China, through companies like ByteDance and many others, has exploited this gap for over a decade.

Despite bipartisan concern, Congress has yet to pass a comprehensive privacy law that would provide a legal framework to control the collection, sharing, and storage of Americans' personal information—leaving the door open to foreign influence and espionage.

Behind the Deal: ByteDance, U.S. Investors, and the Trump Administration

The now-stalled deal involved a powerful lineup of U.S. investors:

• Oracle (intended to handle secure data storage)

• Blackstone

• Andreessen Horowitz

• And other major financial players

The agreement included spinning off TikTok U.S. into a separate, American-controlled entity, with a 120-day closing period initiated by an expected executive order from President Trump. However, escalating diplomatic tension and shifts in the political climate have paused the process, leaving the security issues unresolved.

Axios Security Group’s Perspective: Mitigating Digital Threats from Foreign Platforms

Axios Security Group recommends a multi-layered response to the national security threats posed by TikTok and similar platforms:

🔐 For Government Agencies & Defense Contractors:

• Enforce strict app usage policies on all work and personal devices used for government work

• Deploy mobile device management (MDM) systems to prevent unauthorized app installations

• Conduct digital hygiene training for staff on foreign data collection and influence operations

🧠 For Private Sector & Corporate Entities:

• Monitor employee device security for potential data leaks via social apps

• Implement geo-fencing and app-blocking protocols in sensitive environments

• Develop cybersecurity briefings specific to foreign influence tactics

📊 For the Public & Civil Society:

• Increase public awareness about how data collected by TikTok can be stored offshore

• Advocate for federal privacy legislation to close national security loopholes

• Encourage use of alternative platforms with transparent data practices

Final Thoughts

The TikTok saga is far from over. While political maneuvering has stalled efforts to force a sale or ban, the underlying risks—foreign data access, influence operations, and software vulnerabilities—remain very real.

Until Congress enacts meaningful privacy laws and national cybersecurity standards, the U.S. will remain vulnerable to foreign digital threats, regardless of whether a single platform changes ownership.

For organizations or individuals needing to assess and strengthen their cybersecurity posture in light of growing international threats, contact Axios Security Group at (800) 485-3983 for tailored risk mitigation strategies and digital protection services.