The CEO of the social network TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, indicated that the platform represents a global community that provides significant opportunities to engage with consumers in the Asia Pacific and beyond. He highlighted the strength and resilience present on the platform, where hope, joy, compassion, and a fundamental belief in the ability of users to create positive change in their lives and the lives of others are found.
Chew stated that TikTok is a tool that facilitates connection between people and the exposure of different perspectives, which helps to open minds, listen to new ideas, and foster acceptance and tolerance. The goal of the social network is to promote free expression, give voice to everyone, and create spaces to build communities and connect with others. Additionally, Chew emphasized that TikTok has become a space for a wide variety of individuals, including dreamers, teachers, students, and entrepreneurs from different generations and geographies.
During his participation in the 'CEO Summit' at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' meeting, Chew asserted that telling authentic stories is fundamental on the platform, being a distinctive feature that is an important part of people's daily routines. TikTok's recommendation algorithm is designed to discover new interests, perspectives, and talents, which contributes to enriching the user experience.
The executive emphasized that TikTok has become a vital space for humanity, where meaningful discussions take place and solutions to real-world problems are sought. In a context where social media plays an important role in society, Chew stressed that TikTok has become a point of connection and integration for individuals around the world, providing a sense of community and belonging.
Meanwhile, ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, has faced pressure to divest its U.S. subsidiary, with a legal process that could force its exit from the country. Despite these challenges, TikTok still has a large user base in the United States and has drawn interest from political leaders, including former President Donald Trump and the current Biden Administration, who remain alert to potential security risks related to Chinese influence on the platform.
