U.S. Justice Department launches investigation into ByteDance over TikTok surveillance of journalists

The U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI launched an investigation into the Chinese company ByteDance for spying on journalists through TikTok. It was reported by Forbes.

In December, ByteDance conducted an internal investigation and admitted that several of its employees did use TikTok to spy on journalists. They used the app to get information on the whereabouts of employees at the Financial Times, BuzzFeed and Forbes. ByteDance said the employees in question have been fired as a result of an internal investigation.

"We have strongly condemned the actions of those involved and they are no longer employed by ByteDance," the company said in a statement.

"Our internal investigation is ongoing, and we will cooperate with any official authorities."

According to Forbes, ByteDance has received a notice from the Justice Department, and its representatives have also been interviewed by the FBI.

Meanwhile, TikTok executives are considering separating from ByteDance's parent company in China. U.S. authorities have previously announced the possible banning of TikTok if the social network does not separate from the parent company.

Last December, the U.S. passed a law banning federal employees from using TikTok on gadgets belonging to federal government agencies. TikTok and ByteDance are also under investigation in the United Kingdom.