TikTok, the video-sharing app under the ownership of Chinese company ByteDance, has acknowledged and taken immediate action to address a cyber-attack that has impacted a select number of esteemed brands and prominent celebrities.
In collaboration with affected users, TikTok is diligently working towards restoring access to their compromised accounts. While TikTok refrains from divulging intricate information about the attackers or the methods employed, it remains committed to safeguarding its platform and the integrity of its user base.
Notably, even news outlet CNN fell victim to this breach, further emphasizing the significance of fortifying digital security measures in today’s interconnected world.
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“We have been collaborating closely with CNN to restore account access and implement enhanced security measures to safeguard their account moving forward,” a TikTok spokesperson said.
“We are dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the platform and will continue to monitor for any further inauthentic activity.”
CNN did not promptly provide a comment in response to the request from BBC. TikTok acknowledged that the account of reality TV star Paris Hilton was targeted, but fortunately, it remained uncompromised.
Hilton, who has more than 10 million followers on TikTok, is an active user of the platform.
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The news comes as TikTok is facing a ban in the US, unless it is sold by its Chinese parent company.
The platform has millions of users worldwide, but has faced questions over the security of users’ data and its links to the government in Beijing.
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.
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.
