China based video sharing social networking platform TikTok has poached Chief of streaming in mass media and entertainment company Walt Disney Co. (DIS) Kevin Mayer as its new Chief executive officer.
TikTok which is owned by China ByteDance Technology Co announced the news further clarifying the incoming CEO will be assuming office in June 1. Additionally, Mayer will also double up as the chief operating officer of China ByteDance Technology.
TikTok is widely known for its video flexibility features where it allows users to create short videos with special effects. The app is turning out to being so dear to many users globally since they are addicted to doing online viral challenges.
TikTok has hinted at establishing a possible music streaming business, back in January the company said it was entering into a partnership with UK based music rights agency Merlin to enlarge its music platform.
The U.S has been raising concerns on how TikTok handles users’ personal data, it’s alleged the app uses complicated artificial intelligence to recommend videos based on user’s behavior on the app.
Back in November the U.S government launched an investigation to review how ByteDance acquired social media app Musical.ly which later transformed to TikTok at a cost of $1 billion.
Two Senators then introduced a bill forbidding TikTok from being installed in any government issued device.
One of the Senators, Josh Hawley, previously said TikTok executives told him they were not mandated to testify before Congress since the company is based in China. Following the recent announcement Hawley took on Twitter expressing how eagerly he was to see how things will unfold since newly appointed TikTok executive hails from U.S.
“But this new executive lives in the USA. I look forward to hearing from him. Under oath,” tweeted Hawley.
