I think that's right. I made this comment on a related thread but didn't put 2+2 together. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24465275

I don’t find it credible that governments are extremely interested in tik tok data.

Having aback catalog of truly embarrassing and possibly liable vids on any future politician, CEO or any useful pawn is worth a lot.

The app can access your microphone, camera, contacts, location services, and clipboard among other things.

https://www.rd.com/article/the-dangers-of-tiktok-that-are-wo...

Given the world-wide adoption of their app on smart phones, I'd say you're mistaken.

Android and iOS are more widespread, therefore an easier/better target for your government.

Well, the US government certainly thinks the Chinese government is interested.

They certainly are saying that they think that.

That's an incredibly naive statement. Governments are highly interested in social media.

It's pretty easy for trump to have someone else ghost write his tweets; that' won't work for his tiktok videos...

Its not that angle - imagine being able to turn down anything that is not flattering to him and turn up anything that is unflattering to Joe Biden.

This is the real risk.

Isn't that just the reverse of what Facebook and Google do currently?

80 million US users will be seeing one side of the story in November.

There's no chmace any of the technical details would be ready to manipulate propganga before November 3rd. Amusing, no chance