TikTok Announces "Project Clover" To Improve Data Security In Europe

Theo Bertram (left), Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy at TikTok. (photo: twitter @FedorovMykhailo)

JAKARTA - TikTok has announced a new data security plan called "Project Clover", amid increasing pressure from policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

Recently, the European Parliament, European Commission, and EU Council banned TikTok from staff phones due to growing concerns about the company, which is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, and whether the Chinese government could collect user data or further its interests.

Meanwhile, the White House has endorsed legislation that gives the administration new powers to ban the Chinese video app TikTok and other foreign technologies if they pose a threat to national security.

In a press conference on Wednesday, March 8, TikTok said that it will start storing European user data locally this year, with the migration continuing through 2024.

As part of this move, the company confirmed they will soon be opening a second data center in Ireland, and another in the Hamar region of Norway. This data center will be operated by an undisclosed third party.

"We're a rule-abiding company. Say what the problem is, and let's work together to find a solution. That has been our approach in the US, and it's been our approach elsewhere," said Theo Bertram, vice president of government relations and public policy, as quoted by Reuters.

"We are very open to governments, regulators, and experts giving us advice and suggestions on how we can do it more effectively," he added.

The company said it would reduce data transfers outside of the region, and reduce employee access to user data internally.

TikTok has implemented a similar strategy in the US, called the "Texas Project", in an attempt to allay policymakers' concerns.