A new data security policy dubbed “Project Clover” has been revealed by social media platform, TikTok in response to mounting criticism from legislators on both sides of the Atlantic.
Due to rising worries about the company, which is controlled by the Chinese corporation, ByteDance, and whether China’s government could exploit the company to steal user data or further its interests, the European Parliament, European Commission, and the EU Council recently banned TikTok from staff phones.
The White House has approved legislation giving the administration broad authority to outlaw foreign-based technology like the Chinese-owned video app, TikTok and others if they endanger national security.
In a news conference on Wednesday, TikTok announced that it will start storing user data from Europe locally this year migration continuing into 2024, according to Reuters.
In connection with this development, the business announced that it would shortly open a second data center each in Ireland and the Norwegian region of Hamar.
The management of these data centers will, however, be handled by an unnamed third party.
Theo Bertram, vice president of public policy and government relations, said; “We are a pro-compliance company. Tell us what the problems are, and then let’s work together on the solutions. That’s been our approach in the U.S., that’s been our approach everywhere.
“Our approach is very much open to governments, regulators, and experts to give us their counsel and advice on how we can do this even more effectively.”
The company added that it will limit employee access to user data within and restrict data transfers outside of the region.
In the US, TikTok has used a similar tactic known as “Project Texas” in an effort to appease unfriendly lawmakers.
