TikTok has taken action to stop cyberattacks targeting several brand and celebrity accounts, including CNN’s, a company spokesperson said.
“We have been collaborating closely with CNN to restore account access and implement enhanced security measures to safeguard their account moving forward,” the spokesperson stated.
TikTok reported that the number of compromised accounts is “very small” and is working with affected account owners to restore access if needed.
A source at TikTok said that the account of reality TV star Paris Hilton was targeted but not compromised.
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is currently contesting a law that requires it to sell TikTok by next January or face a ban in the United States. The White House supports ending Chinese-based ownership on national security grounds.
TikTok has argued that it will not share U.S. user data with the Chinese government and has taken significant measures to protect users’ privacy.
Meanwhile, TikTok is currently testing a new feature that permits users to upload videos lasting up to 60 minutes. This feature, presently accessible in specific regions, presents a potential challenge to YouTube’s dominant position in the market.
Traditionally recognized for its short-form videos, TikTok has progressively expanded its upload limit over time. The platform’s creators claim they’ve been attentive to user feedback and aim to offer more time for creators to exhibit their content, spanning from cooking demonstrations and beauty tutorials to educational lessons.
Despite YouTube’s continued prominence as the primary video-sharing platform in the US, TikTok is rapidly narrowing the gap in terms of minutes watched. The introduction of this new feature might entice users who appreciate shorter videos but require more time to convey their ideas.
Furthermore, this move poses a potential threat to streaming giants like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, as TikTok’s longer videos could captivate users seeking brief yet engaging entertainment.
Presently, TikTok’s 60-minute video feature is accessible in select markets, with uncertainty surrounding its broader rollout. Nonetheless, this development signifies a significant shift in the app’s strategy and could profoundly impact the video-sharing landscape.
As the competition for video supremacy intensifies, one thing remains evident: the landscape of video sharing is evolving, with TikTok spearheading the transformation.
