TikTok says cyber-attack hit model and superstar accounts | EUROtoday

TikTok says it’s addressing a cyber-attack that focused a number of manufacturers and celebrities.

The video-sharing app, which is owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, advised the BBC {that a} “very limited” variety of accounts had been compromised.

It added that it was working with customers to revive entry to their accounts.

TikTok didn’t share additional particulars on the perpetrators of the cyber-attack, or the way it was carried out.

One of the compromised accounts belonged to information outlet CNN.

“We have been collaborating closely with CNN to restore account access and implement enhanced security measures to safeguard their account moving forward,” a TikTok spokesperson mentioned.

“We are dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the platform and will continue to monitor for any further inauthentic activity.”

CNN didn’t instantly reply to a BBC request for remark.

TikTok mentioned the account of actuality TV star Paris Hilton was additionally focused, but it surely was not compromised.

Hilton, who has greater than 10 million followers on TikTok, is an energetic consumer of the platform.

The information comes as TikTok is dealing with a ban within the US, until it’s offered by its Chinese dad or mum firm.

The platform has tens of millions of customers worldwide, however has confronted questions over the safety of customers’ knowledge and its hyperlinks to the federal government in Beijing.

It can also be rising as a brand new social media battleground for the US elections.

Earlier this month, Donald Trump joined TikTokregardless of making an attempt to ban it on nationwide safety grounds throughout his presidency.

Trump, who has amassed greater than 5 million followers since launching his account on Saturday, mentioned he’ll use “every tool available to speak directly with the American people”.

President Joe Biden can also be utilizing the platform to marketing campaign for re-election in November, however he has solely picked up round 350,000 followers – far fewer than his rival.