Did you know TikTok Expands EU Data Centers, Strengthens Privacy Compliance While Navigating Fines and U.S. Uncertainty

 

The fate of TikTok still hangs in limbo in America, and during that period of uncertainty, the social media giant is working to better its relations with the EU.

The company has taken a major step to make regulators in the region happy by keeping user data separate from that related to its base in China. This means it’s trying to pull out all the stops to regain confidence and ensure it stands as a separate entity in this regard.

In this regard, the app shared a new update called Project Clover, which is aimed at tackling data security. The goal right now is to make sure EU data isn’t accessed by Chinese employees and government officials.

The initiative was first shared last year in July, where TikTok now admits to hitting a milestone with this latest change. The final EU data center is currently in operation. The current one, located in Hamar, Norway, plays a crucial role in the region’s economy. The location supports nearly 200 jobs, and that entails cooling experts, engineers, and electricians. They’re all contributing by providing tech expertise in that part of the world while enhancing regional employment.

The app shared how the latest establishment is a part of its dedicated efforts to make the EU happy and ensure all user data is stored in the EU only through default means. It’s also working on tapping on the shoulders of the NCC cybersecurity group to oversee and confirm all data controls.

Through this, the app is now getting stored across different EU data centers and hosting various facilities across the nation. This ensures there aren’t any data transfers linked to China. However, it’s still set to be impacted with a massive $552M fine by regulators in Ireland for past transfers of EU users’ data to China.

The starting investigation that gave rise to this fine was Project Clover, but now that the company is showing a clear separation from this project, it is hoped matters will clear up. However, that’s not the case. Today, TikTok is spending billions in regards to overseeing and developing data protection for EU users. With the fine getting included in this bill, it’s adding a lot of pressure in general.

This might be another reason why it’s working to better its in-app commerce push. Remember, the goal is to focus on the American market for all in-platform sales, but there’s no harm in extending that into the European side, right?