TikTok to leave Hong Kong as security law raises worries

Bytedance-owned short-video sharing platform TikTok is pulling out of Hong Kong amid a new security law that took effect last week.    

Hong Kong: TikTok said Tuesday it will stop operations in Hong Kong after the city enacted a sweeping national security law last week.

The company said in a statement that it had decided to halt operations "in light of recent events."

TikTok's departure from Hong Kong comes as various social media platforms and messaging apps including Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, Google and Twitter balk at the possibility of providing user data to Hong Kong authorities.

The social media companies say they are assessing the ramifications of the national security law.

The short-video sharing platform said it has not shared any user information with the Chinese government.