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Seriously, does nobody know how to debate here? Source code is crucial because it allows us to audit the app to ensure it's safe for app stores. If it's only communicating with a server and not spying on users, then all it really has is account data. It's about making sure the app doesn't have any malicious features. It's crazy how quickly everyone jumps to calling each other stupid.
You literally don't know how this works.
This is why politicians say buzz words and people buy into it because they don't think critically into what this would actually involve.
Worrying about foreign apps, when Google and Facebook collect as much, or more, is just like jingling keys in front of a baby. It's a distraction. Go ahead, vote for RFK, let me know what that gets you.
I've been consistent in my stance from the beginning. In my original comment, I already acknowledged that companies like Google and Microsoft collect our data. That's precisely why I advocate for the release of source codes across the board, not just for TikTok but universally.
Maybe learn how to read before you start going off about how smart you are ;)
You think that Microsoft or Google would consent to code review?
In this capitalist country?
You're either severely uninformed or a fool.
Dismissing the push for openness as foolish shows a severe lack of understanding of the current tech landscape and consumer expectations. It's not about what they would consent to; it's about what should be standard practice in a society that values digital rights and privacy.
Like I said, you can't vaccinate stupid.
Still have no idea what you're talking about, can you elaborate?
Pretty much any social media app has enough data to spy on users. The issue is what the company does with the data that it can and does gather. Foreign companies have no obligations to American laws. Looking at the source code of an app doesn't change anything since they all gather data and they all send that data to their servers.
Agreed, users do sign off on some data collection. However, this consent doesn't extend to all the app's actions, especially the undisclosed ones. That's precisely where access to source code becomes critical. It allows us to identify any hidden, potentially harmful features that could breach privacy or security—issues that go beyond what users have signed up for. Full transparency in source code is vital to ensure that an app fully respects user agreements and trust.
apps can't use hardware features without requesting permissions. it's a security measure that both iOS and Android enforce. I know this because I develop apps. you don't have to look at the source code for this.
time to stop arguing with an expert on the matter. you really just don't know what you're talking about.
Expertise is one thing, but assuming permissions make source code access irrelevant? That's a stretch. Real tech pros know layers of security are what keep us safe, not just gatekeeping features. If that's your expert take, I'm skeptical.
ok buddy. you're basically just spouting tech terms like you have any clue. the evidence that you have absolutely none is your insistence in arguing with an expert in their field. you can't get any more dunning Kruger than this.
good job being a textbook example of one of the world's biggest problems: dummies thinking they know better than actual experts.
Expert or not, the point stands that open source helps everyone check what's really going on. That's not Dunning-Kruger; it's common sense. You're not an expert if you don't understand these basic concepts.
you've strayed from your original argument. the context is that you're supporting a lunatic because he thinks that looking at source code is somehow better than banning foreign apps outright. we already know what these apps are doing and source code doesn't give any further insight.
Just banning foreign apps? That's a knee-jerk reaction, not a solution. We need to know what's in the code, not just where an app's made. Security comes from transparency, not blind bans. Let's not mix xenophobia with tech policy.
Are you daft? Yes. We know what they are doing. Apps inherently have access to a lot of user data. It's not about trust in the code, it's about trust in the company. No amount of looking at TikTok's source code changes what the company may or may not do with all that data it is absolutely collecting.
If you examine the source code of all popular apps you will find that they all collect and send home as much user data as the user has permitted, which is usually a lot. This information accomplishes nothing. The reason that some apps should be banned is because of what the company does with that data and how it doesn't comply with laws from the banning country.
This all stems from a useless talking point made by a politician which sounds great but doesn't actually accomplish anything. Feel free to keep arguing, but at this point you're basically just telling me that the internet is a series of tubes.
Trust in the company is important, but it's not the whole picture. Reviewing source code can reveal how data is handled on the front end, which is our first line of defense. If the front-end code is designed to collect more data than it should, that's a problem, regardless of the company's reputation.