Social Media Giants must follow TikTok’s example on cybersecurity – Higgins

A new Dublin cybersecurity hub for social media giant TikTok will create employment and put Ireland at the forefront of online security development, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Fine Gael spokesperson on social media, Deputy Emer Higgins, has welcomed the announcement that the video sharing platform TikTok is to open a new cybersecurity centre in Ireland with a view to combatting future security threats.

Deputy Higgins said: “Having worked with TikTok over the last year, I know they are really committed to keeping people and their data safe while using their platform and I really welcome that they’re aiming to stay one step ahead of future security threats.

“Ireland is home to some of the biggest social media and tech companies in the world so it makes sense that Dublin will be the location for TikTok’s first regional fusion centre which will allow them to respond to security threats 24/7 and keep people safe, which has to be a major priority of all social media companies.

“Cybersecurity and data safety are huge areas of concern on social media, especially given that number of school children and young people that now have social media accounts.

“I think there is so much that needs to be done in terms of anonymous accounts, online abuse and cyber bullying but I welcome this as a first step and I’d like to see other social media platforms following suit.

“This new cybersecurity centre will also create over 50 employment opportunities in online security, policy and privacy which is really welcome and will be a great boost to an ever-growing industry,” concluded Deputy Higgins.