The incident has raised concerns about the app’s security measures, especially as it faces potential bans and scrutiny over data privacy issues.
According to TikTok, the cyber-attack affected a “very limited” number of accounts, but it assured users that it is actively working to restore access and address the situation. The company, owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, did not disclose specific details about the attack’s nature or how it was executed.
Among the affected accounts was that of Paris Hilton, although TikTok clarified that her account wasn’t compromised. Paris Hilton, a prominent user with over 10 million followers, remains an active figure on the platform.
In a separate incident, the news broadcaster CNN fell victim to the cyber-attack, highlighting the vulnerability of even major media organizations in the digital landscape.
This breach comes at a critical time for TikTok, which is under pressure in the United States to sever ties with its Chinese parent company or face a ban. Concerns over data security and potential government influence have shadowed the app’s global expansion efforts.
TikTok’s growing role in politics is also noteworthy, with figures like former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden using the platform to engage with voters. Trump’s recent entry into TikTok, despite previous attempts to ban it, underscores the platform’s significance in modern political discourse.
The cyber-attack is classified as a “zero-day” exploit, indicating that the hacker identified a vulnerability before developers could address it, leaving no time for preventive measures.
