TikTok exits Hong Kong as China's controversial national security law 'stings freedom'

Days after anuncing that it would stop working in Hong Kong, TikTok has been removed from app stores in country. After being banned in India, Chinese app has been pulled from Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store in Hong Kong in view of new security law passed by China. Owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, TikTok had said earlier this week that it would exit Hong Kong “in light of recent events.”

recently passed National Security Law, which has been widely opposed in automous region, undermines 'one nation, two systems' doctrine. Gazumping Hong Kong's automy, law awards a life sentence in prison as punishment to anyone people found guilty of secession or subversion. Critics have called law China’s attempt to curtail freedom of speech in protest-hit Hong Kong under garb of 'bringing back stability.' Thus, TikTok ban has also been considered as a snatched opportunity from Hongkongers to oppose. 

Read: TikTok To Be Banned In Australia? Legislators State App Being 'used & Abused' By China

TikTok exits Hong Kong

Hong Kong TikTok users were reportedly greeted with following mess when y opened app: “Thank you for time you’ve spent on TikTok and giving us opportunity to bring a little bit of joy into your life! We regret to inform you that we have discontinued operating TikTok in Hong Kong,” it continued.

controversial security law also gives authorities powers to keep a check on online content, as per reports. y can also reportedly ask techlogy platforms and internet service providers to delete content that flouts law.  Major social media platforms including Twitter and Facebook are reportedly pausing requests for user data from Hong Kong law enforcement while, y say, y are evaluating implications of law and what it truly means. 

Read: TikTok Says It's Stopping Its Operations In Hong-Kong, After India Bans China-based App

After India, US mulls TikTok Ban

After India banned 59 Chinese apps over misuse of se apps for stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users’ data in an unauthorized manner to servers that have locations outside India, US is also considering banning video sharing app. Ministry of Home Affairs said se apps “engd in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India, security of state and public order.” US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, “Trump administration is “looking at” banning TikTok and or Chinese social media apps.” 

In its statement post its ban, TikTok claimed to have democratised Indian Internet, by making its app available in 14 Indian langus. "We have been invited to meet concerned government stakeholders for an opportunity to respond and submit clarifications. TikTok continues to comply with all data privacy and security requirements under Indian law and has t shared any information of our users in India with any foreign government, including Chinese government. Furr we are requested to in future we would t do so. We place highest importance on user privacy and integrity," TikTok said in its statement.

Read: Is TikTok Back In India? Has Ban Been Lifted? Kw Details

Read: On Possibility Of TikTok Ban, Pompeo Cites National Security; Says 'evaluating CCP Threat'