NAIROBI, Kenya- The popular video-sharing app TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, recently confirmed that a ‘very limited’ number of accounts had been compromised in a cyber-attack.
The company said it is actively working with affected users to restore access to their accounts.
High-Profile Targets: CNN and Paris Hilton
Among the compromised accounts is that of global news outlet CNN.
A TikTok spokesperson said, “We have been collaborating closely with CNN to restore account access and implement enhanced security measures to safeguard their account moving forward.”
TikTok emphasized its commitment to maintaining the platform’s integrity and monitoring for any further inauthentic activity.
While the account of reality TV star Paris Hilton, who boasts over 10 million followers on TikTok, was also targeted, it was not compromised. Hilton remains an active user of the platform.
TikTok has not disclosed details regarding the perpetrators of the cyber-attack or the methods used.
TikTok Under Scrutiny Amid U.S. Election Season
This security breach comes at a turbulent time for TikTok, which faces potential bans in the U.S. unless ByteDance sells the app.
With millions of users worldwide, TikTok has been under scrutiny for data security concerns and its ties to the Chinese government.
Interestingly, the platform has emerged as a new social media battleground in the U.S. elections.
Former President Donald Trump, who previously attempted to ban TikTok on national security grounds, recently joined the platform and has quickly gained over five million followers.
Trump stated he would use every tool available to speak directly with the American people.
In contrast, President Joe Biden, also using TikTok to campaign for re-election in November, has garnered around 350,000 followers.
