TikTok says cyber-attack hit brands and celebrities
TikTok is currently dealing with a cyber-attack that affected several brands and celebrities. The video-sharing platform, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, informed the BBC that only a “very limited” number of accounts were compromised. The company is collaborating with users to restore their account access.
TikTok did not disclose information about the attackers or the method of the attack. Among the compromised accounts was one belonging to news outlet CNN.
A TikTok spokesperson stated, “We have been working closely with CNN to restore account access and implement enhanced security measures to safeguard their account moving forward.
We are dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the platform and will continue to monitor for any further inauthentic activity.”
CNN did not immediately respond to the BBC’s request for comment. TikTok also mentioned that while the account of reality TV star Paris Hilton was targeted, it was not compromised. Hilton, who has over 10 million followers on TikTok, is an active user.
This incident occurs amid potential threats of a US ban on TikTok unless it is sold by its Chinese parent company. Despite its vast global user base, TikTok faces scrutiny over user data security and its connections to the Chinese government.
It is also emerging as a new social media battleground for the US elections.
Earlier this month, Donald Trump joined TikTok, despite attempting to ban it on national security grounds during his presidency.
Mr Trump, who has amassed more than five million followers since launching his account on Saturday, said he will use “every tool available to speak directly with the American people”.
President Joe Biden is also using the platform to campaign for re-election in November, but he has only picked up around 350,000 followers – far fewer than his rival.
