TikTok, the subsidiary of Chinese Conglomerate Byte Dance, has announced a new data security regime for European users and named it as “Project Clover”. The decision was taken amid building pressure from the lawmakers of the continent who expressed their concerns over data processing and storage.
For the past two years, both the United States and United Kingdom have expressed concerns over the Chinese laws that make it mandatory for companies to process and store data in their country for analysis when required.
The same applies to Chinese companies that are operating abroad. As they are supposed to harvest data for analysis in Xi Jinping led nation, in business perspective.
Reacting to the concerns, the European Parliament, European Commission and EU Council banned the use of the video sharing app on devices that are used by the government staff and military.
In December last year, out of extreme concerns, the elected members of European Parliament issued a tentative ban interest on the video app, as it was posing as a threat to national security.
TikTok immediately reacted to the ban possibility and issued a statement at the end of last year, saying that it will come up with a plan that will take away all security concerns generated among the lawmakers on both sides of the Atlantic.
The company opened two data centers in Ireland and one in the Harmar region of Norway, which third parties will handle in compliance with the existing data laws, such as GDPR.
The company also opened up a channel for governments, regulators and experts to provide advice and counsel on further improving the business services, with regards to national security.
NOTE- A similar strategy was employed by the company in the name of “Project Texas” in the year 2022 and the move did help the business in placating hostile US lawmakers to a certain extent.
