After a few crazy weeks of speculation around TikTok bans and competitor buyouts, Australia has finally decided whether TikTok will be permitted in Australia.
Yes it will. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday, "There's nothing at this point that would suggest to us that security interests are being compromised, or Australian citizens are being compromised," simultaneously confirming the social media app can remain down under.
He did point out that Australian TikTok user data could wind up in the hands of the Chinese government given the nexus between Chinese business – especially big business – and its autocratic, communist government.
The news was welcomed by TikTok which had taken out ads in recent weeks declaring itself a paragon of virtue and imploring Aussies not to allow it "to become a political football".
In a tumultuous couple of weeks, the Chinese-owned app has also been targeted by US President Trump who wanted it banned in the US – also on security grounds. Meanwhile, Microsoft has declared its intent to acquire the social media platform.
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