Veteran cyber-expert James Lewis and Wired writer Louise Matsakis discuss TikTok's US survival amidst spyware suspicions. Zach King shares his success story on the platform, amassing 41M followers. The need for heavy regulations on social media platforms in the US is emphasized.
US administration's suspicions about TikTok's spyware use are likely unjustified, according to cyber expert James Lewis.
TikTok creators like Zach King emphasize the importance of quality content and authenticity over virality for monetization.
Deep dives
The TikTok Controversy
The podcast delves into the controversy surrounding TikTok and its potential ban in the US due to concerns over data privacy and national security. Despite TikTok's efforts to distance itself from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, accusations persist about the potential risks posed by the app's data collection practices. While the app's popularity has soared globally, questions remain about its ties to China and whether it could be used as a tool for espionage.
Business Model and Brand Deals
The episode explores how TikTok creators like Zach King make money through brand deals and product placements rather than direct revenue sharing from the platform. King highlights the importance of maintaining quality content and balancing competition with authenticity in a virtual landscape where virality often overshadows substance. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of TikTok's model in reshaping content creation and democratizing opportunities for online creators.
Regulation and Privacy Concerns
Amidst the TikTok debate, the podcast raises broader questions about the need for enhanced regulation of data practices across all major tech platforms, not just focusing on TikTok. It points out the necessity of establishing consistent standards for data privacy and calls for tougher regulations on all tech firms with access to sensitive user information. The conversation underscores the urgency of addressing data privacy concerns across the digital landscape to protect user rights and prevent potential security breaches.
Can TikTok survive as a US-based social media platform? The social media app owned by a Chinese company, is prompting suspicion in Washington at the moment. Amidst rising US-China tensions, are suspicions that the company is using spyware justified? James Lewis, a veteran cyber-expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC says the administrations doubts are probably unjustified. Louise Matsakis, a staff writer for Wired magazine says all social media platforms in the US need to be more heavily regulated. Plus Zach King, currently the world's third best paid TikToker who has amassed a staggering 41 million followers worldwide tells Ed Butler about how he uses the site to make millions of dollars.
(Picture credit: Getty Images)
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