TikTok reaches 2 million users in Ireland

From RTE.

Video sharing platform TikTok has announced that there are now 2 million people in Ireland using the app each month.

The company said a community of creators across the country had helped it reach the milestone.

“Our vibrant community of 2 million people across Ireland is made up of book lovers, foodies, families, musicians, comedians, artists and so much more, who come to TikTok to discover, share their stories, inspire creativity and spread joy,” said Cormac Keenan, Head of Trust and Safety at TikTok.

The Chinese-owned video-sharing app has faced scrutiny over how much access China has to user data.

In April, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) issued guidance advising Irish Government departments and state agencies against the use of the app on official devices.

The US and UK governments, as well as EU institutions, have also banned the platform on staff devices over cybersecurity fears.

TikTok has described the government bans as misguided and based on misconceptions.

Ireland is playing a central role in the company’s efforts to address concerns over data security.

A plan called “Project Clover” involves European user information being stored at two data centres in Dublin and at a third centre in Norway.

Yesterday, TikTok secured permission from the High Court to challenge the Data Protection Commission’s decision to fine it €345m for failing to protect children’s privacy on the site.