Audio By Carbonatix
Short-video app TikTok has halted operations in Hong Kong, according to a notice posted on its website.
The company flagged the move earlier this week after China imposed a new security law on the city.
The law has restricted freedoms in the semi-autonomous territory, raising concerns of official oversight of social media.
Other social media companies such as Facebook and Twitter are also reviewing operations in Hong Kong.
TikTok has come under scrutiny from the US and other countries because of concerns it could share user data with Chinese authorities.
The app was launched outside of mainland China by Beijing-based ByteDance to reach a global audience.
Separately, a spokesman for the app, said on Friday that TikTok might come under a new business structure.
"As we consider the best path forward, ByteDance is evaluating changes to the corporate structure of its TikTok business," the spokesman said in an emailed statement.
He also reiterated previous pledges that ByteDance would refuse to share TikTok user data with Chinese authorities.
"We have never provided user data to the Chinese government, nor would we do so if asked."
TikTok has increased its popularity during global coronavirus lockdowns with about 315 million people downloading the app in the first three months of this year, according to research firm Sensor Tower.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and an Australian member of parliament have recently suggested the app needs more scrutiny over its data and privacy policies because its headquarters are in China.
Mr Pompeo has banned state department employees from downloading the app and suggested the app could also be banned in the US.
However, the company denied that it represented a security risk.
"TikTok is led by an American CEO (former Disney executive Kevin Mayer based in Los Angeles), with hundreds of employees and key leaders across safety, security, product, and public policy here in the US. We have no higher priority than promoting a safe and secure app experience for our users," a spokesman said.
Latest Stories
-
Ooni of Ife confers prestigious Yoruba title on President Mahama in Nigeria
3 minutes -
Kwadwo Poku calls for stronger HIV/AIDS education amid low condom use
5 minutes -
NPP’s Gary Nimako urges lawyers to show fidelity to the law
18 minutes -
Ghana’s public debt balloons by over GH¢70bn in just three months
23 minutes -
Tema’s Sakina, Joseph dominate Ashfoam Hard Hitters Tennis Invitational Tournament
31 minutes -
Kennedy Agyapong vows to guard against rigging in NPP presidential primary
38 minutes -
Immigration Service warns against fake SMS scams demanding fees for next phase of recruitment
40 minutes -
Utilise capital contribution policy – PURC to consumers
43 minutes -
My parents say they want a grandchild – King Promise
43 minutes -
Reject candidates who insult and disrespect women – Adwoa Safo warns NPP delegates
48 minutes -
Sports Minister swears in Dr Fred Awaah-led NSA Board
56 minutes -
Former MMDCEs appeal to Mahama for payment of end-of-service benefits
1 hour -
OSP concerned about insufficiency of annual budget
1 hour -
Traders in tears as fire guts shops, stores in Sunyani  Â
1 hour -
Zenith Bank kicks off 2025 festive season with annual light-up ceremony
1 hour
