TikTok has created a secure European enclave for its user data in the UK and European Economic Area (EEA), as it looks to build on its data security.
Project Clover will introduce security gateways that determine employee access to UK and European user data and data transfers outside of Europe. As a result of the initiative, all data access will have to comply with both the relevant data protection laws and go through these security gateways and additional checks.
TikTok will also appoint a third-party European data security planner to oversee and audit the data controls and protections, monitor data flows, provide independent verification, and report any incidents.
Meanwhile, the popular short-form video platform will work with third parties on incorporating the latest privacy-enhancing advanced technologies.
“Project Clover cements our long-standing commitment to data security in Europe, and will help ensure that our 150-million-strong European community enjoys industry-leading data protection and security,” said Theo Bertram, VP Public Policy & Government Relations at TikTok.
With the launch of Project Clover, TikTok will add to its European data centre in Dublin, adding a second Dublin location and a third in Hamar, Norway, which will run on ‘100% renewable energy’. TikTok will begin storing all European user data locally this year.
