Australian officials have identified TikTok and WeChat as potential national security hazards.

A report has been released following an inquiry into foreign influence through social media. The report singles out TikTok and WeChat, both now under scrutiny.
It warns of the potential degradation of decision-making processes, political discourse, and societal norms due to the rampant use of social media.

The report proposes 17 recommendations, advocating for revamped regulations mandating transparent operations for all platforms. 

Those failing to comply could find themselves barred from Australian usage.

The study underscores that foreign interference through social media has emerged as a major peril to the nation's security.

“Effectively countering foreign interference through social media is, therefore, one of Australia's most pressing security challenges,” the report contends.

Of particular concern is the threat posed by TikTok and WeChat and their Chinese parent companies, ByteDance and Tencent respectively.

The report highlights China's National Intelligence Law of 2017, which enables Chinese intelligence agencies to clandestinely command the cooperation of these platforms, potentially jeopardising user data.

Regarding TikTok, the report says Chinese-based employees have access to Australian user data and can manipulate content algorithms, while TikTok remains evasive about the extent of this access.

Earlier this year, Australia barred TikTok from government devices due to security apprehensions, citing the potential for Chinese-backed interference. 

The report recommends a similar prohibition for WeChat on government devices due to comparable security and data concerns.

The report goes on to suggest that this TikTok restriction be extended to devices used by government contractors such as Ernst and Young, PWC, and Deloitte, to ensure stringent data security.

The study acknowledges the reluctance of certain social media giants to cooperate fully with the committee's inquiries. It proposes a prerequisite for transparency: companies should establish a physical presence within Australia's legal jurisdiction to be held accountable for their actions.

In the absence of compliance, the report recommends imposing fines or even outright bans by the home affairs minister. 

Additionally, it recommends the formation of a government body dedicated to countering cyber-enabled foreign interference.