Much like the long-standing debate around 5G, President Trump’s recent decision to sign an executive order that may see TikTok and WeChat banned, and has now evolved into a bidding war for TikTok’s U.S. operations with Oracle leading as the potential winner, has brought the world’s attention to the inherent security challenges that complex global digital communications and connectivity present.

At least three TikTok profiles with more than 350,000 followers combined have been promoting multiple fraudulent mobile apps that generated $500,000 in profit, according to an Avast report. 

Security fears linger around the wildly popular, Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok, and discussions are in the works for the platform to potentially be acquired by Microsoft. Should users be concerned in the interim? Will a change of ownership to a U.S.-based company allay security and privacy fears?

Days after US President Donald Trump said he would ban TikTok from operating in the United States, Microsoft has announced it might purchase the popular short-form video app. 

Social media app TikTok is launching a new content moderation center to allow experts to examine and verify TikTok's practices in order to boost transparency efforts.