TikTok says cyber-attack hit brands and celebrities

TikTok claims to be facing a cyber attack that targeted several brands and celebrities.

The video-sharing app, which is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, told the BBC that a “very limited” number of accounts had been compromised.

It added that it was working with users to restore access to their accounts.

TikTok did not share further details about who carried out the cyberattack or how it was carried out.

One of the compromised accounts belonged to the CNN media outlet.

“We are working closely with CNN to restore access to the accounts and implement enhanced security measures to protect their account in the future,” a TikTok spokesperson said.

“We are committed to maintaining the integrity of the platform and will continue to monitor any further inauthentic activity.”

CNN did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the BBC.

TikTok said reality TV star Paris Hilton’s account was also targeted, but had not been compromised.

Hilton, who has over 10 million followers on TikTok, is an active user of the platform.

The news comes as TikTok faces a ban in the United States unless it is sold by its Chinese parent company.

The platform has millions of users worldwide, but it faces questions over the security of user data and its ties to the Beijing government.

It is also emerging as a new social media battleground for the US elections.

Trump, who has amassed more than five million followers since launching his account on Saturday, said he would use “every tool available to speak directly with the American people.”

President Joe Biden is also using the platform to campaign for reelection in November, but he has only amassed about 350,000 followers, far fewer than his rival.