Finally, the spyware platform TikTok has been banned in the United States—and it’s about time! This app isn’t just another social media platform; it’s a data-harvesting machine controlled by foreign actors with agendas hostile to national security.

It's nice to see the U.S. take this decisive action to protect its citizens, but it raises the question of why the U.S. TikTok ban is considered a national security win and why Israel should follow suit.

TikTok: The World's Best Spyware Platform?

TikTok has been criticized for its opaque data practices and ties to the Chinese government. ByteDance, which owns TikTok, is subject to Chinese laws that compel companies to share data with the government if requested. This means that user data collected by TikTok—including location, browsing habits, and even keystroke patterns—can potentially end up in the hands of a foreign power.

The risks are even more pronounced for Israel, a nation often targeted by cyberattacks and espionage. TikTok’s algorithms are not just about showing users entertaining videos; they can subtly influence public opinion and manipulate social discourse. Given Israel's geopolitical challenges, the platform could be exploited to spread misinformation or collect sensitive information from its citizens.

Why TikTok is a National Security Threat

1. Data Harvesting: TikTok collects an alarming amount of user data, including device information, IP addresses, and even biometric data like face scans and voiceprints. In a country like Israel, where many citizens serve in sensitive military roles, this data could be weaponized against national security interests.

2. Misinformation and Propaganda: TikTok’s algorithm can prioritize certain types of content, making it a powerful tool for spreading propaganda. For a nation like Israel, which faces constant efforts to delegitimize its existence on the global stage, the risk of targeted misinformation campaigns is too significant to ignore.

3. Influence on Young Minds: TikTok is especially popular among younger demographics. The platform's ability to subtly influence opinions makes it a potential tool for foreign entities to shape the perspectives of Israel’s next generation.

4. Vulnerable Infrastructure: TikTok’s presence on millions of devices in Israel represents a massive attack surface. The app’s vulnerabilities could be exploited to compromise individual users and critical infrastructure.

Lessons from the US Ban

The US has long recognized the strategic threat TikTok poses. By banning the platform, the US has clearly communicated that national security cannot be compromised for entertainment. Israel should view this as a wake-up call. While the economic and social implications of banning a popular app are significant, they pale compared to the potential damage caused by unchecked surveillance and manipulation.

What Should Israel Do?

Israel must follow the United States' lead and ban TikTok, a dangerous spyware application controlled by foreign actors with clear anti-Israel agendas.
This platform not only harvests extensive user data but is also manipulated by hostile entities, including those supported by Russia, Iran, and China, to work against the state of Israel.
TikTok poses a grave threat to national security, mainly as it has been used to spread propaganda and distort global narratives. During the Iron Sword War, we witnessed how TikTok amplified anti-Israel sentiments and portrayed Israel as the aggressor, fueling misinformation and undermining the truth.
Allowing such a platform to operate freely in Israel compromises our sovereignty, security, and values.

Recognizing the risks and taking immediate action to eliminate this threat is imperative.