TikTok encounters glitch as it faces issues involving its ties to China. The company was able to fix the app, which returned to normal the same day.
Some TikTok users found their likes and views broken this afternoon. They see a “zero” like count on TikTok posts, including their own and those of other app users. They also have zero views.
TikTok acknowledged the glitch and assures the users it is restoring the app. However, they did not disclose what was causing the issue.
The TikTok Support account mentioned problem at 2:43 PM ET, saying it was working to repair the issue, and then announced again at 3:35 PM ET to say the restoration was in progress.
According to the company, users should be able to see their app return to normal as the problem has already been addressed.
Some TikTok users believe the app was modifying its algorithms, because their “For You” page seemed to no longer cater to their interests when Like counts were back.
A spokesperson also offered the following comment:
“Earlier today, some of our users experienced app issues around notifications, the display of likes and view counts, and trouble loading videos on some pages of the app. The issues appear to have been caused by higher traffic than normal on our servers in Virginia, causing temporary service disruptions. We’ve resolved the problem and are investigating the cause, and will share updates as they become available.”
Distancing from China
The recent glitch comes at a time when the app is facing issues such as the plan of US to ban the app.
The US government plans to ban TikTok because it is deemed a security threat, according to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
However, legislators want an investigation of TikTok’s affairs with its parent company and the Chinese government. They also want to determine whether those reported relationships carry a counterintelligence threat in America.
During an interview with Fox News, Pompeo said that President Donald Trump’s administration is “certainly looking” at banning Chinese social media apps, including TikTok.
However, a TikTok spokesperson said on ABC News that the company is “led by an American CEO, with hundreds of employees and key leaders across safety, security, product, and public policy here in the U.S. We have no higher priority than promoting a safe and secure app experience for our users.”
The spokesperson also denied that TikTok provides Beijing information. “We have never provided user data to the Chinese government, nor would we do so if asked.”
On its website, TikTok stated that it “does business through subsidiaries of ByteDance Ltd., which is backed by global institutional investors.”
The app also announced it would remove the app from Hong Kong because of the threat posed by the new national security law imposed by Beijing in the city.
The Wall Street Journal reported that leaders at TikTok parent ByteDance plan to reconstruct the corporate structure of TikTok’s business or even setting up an office for the company outside of China. This way, TikTok can distance itself from China and avoid being compromised.
