China has denied any involvement in requiring companies, including TikTok, to hand over user data after the European Union imposed a hefty fine on the social media platform. The fine, totaling 530 million euros (about $600 million), comes as part of an investigation into TikTok’s handling of user data.
TikTok Faces Major Fine for Data Transfer Issues
On Friday, TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media company, was fined for transferring user data from Europe to China. The EU determined that TikTok failed to ensure the data was protected from potential access by Chinese authorities, raising concerns about privacy and security.
The fine marks the second-largest penalty ever imposed by the European Union. This decision follows a comprehensive investigation into the platform’s data practices. The company has announced plans to appeal the decision.
China’s Denial of Data Access Claims
In response to the fine, China’s foreign ministry issued a statement on Saturday, strongly denying the allegations. The ministry emphasized that the country has never and will never require enterprises or individuals to collect or store data by illegal means.
China also called on the European Union and Ireland—where TikTok’s European headquarters is based—to create a fair and unbiased business environment for international companies. This statement aims to counter growing concerns about the Chinese government’s influence on foreign tech companies.
TikTok’s European Regulation and National Security Scrutiny
TikTok, a division of the Chinese tech company ByteDance, has faced scrutiny globally, particularly over fears that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. In Europe, TikTok’s Irish headquarters places its regulatory oversight under Ireland’s Data Protection Commission, which is the lead authority for TikTok’s European data practices.
The platform has faced several challenges related to national security concerns in multiple countries. Authorities have raised alarms that the app could be used to gather personal data or spread misinformation, prompting bans in countries such as Pakistan, Nepal, and New Caledonia (a French overseas territory).
Pressure Builds on TikTok in the United States
The recent EU fine comes amid mounting pressure on TikTok in the United States. In 2024, the US Congress passed a law that requires ByteDance to either sell TikTok’s US operations or face a potential ban. The social media platform, which boasts around 170 million users in the United States, faces a critical deadline.
Former US President Donald Trump had previously postponed the deadline twice. The latest deadline for ByteDance to divest its control over TikTok in the United States is set for June 19, 2025.
China’s Stance on Data Access and Global Operations
Despite ongoing scrutiny, Beijing has consistently denied claims of accessing data from foreign companies. The Chinese government insists that it adheres to local laws governing data privacy and operations, rejecting accusations that it seeks unauthorized access to international data.
TikTok’s Global Struggles Over Data Privacy
TikTok’s data privacy practices have become a central issue in global debates about technology and security. While TikTok has pledged to appeal the European Union’s fine, the company continues to navigate challenges related to privacy regulations and concerns about its relationship with the Chinese government.
The growing regulatory pressure on TikTok highlights broader issues surrounding data privacy, the role of social media in global politics, and the potential influence of foreign governments over digital platforms.
