TikTok US Staff Continue Using ByteDance Chat App Lark

Current and former employees of TikTok US have reported that the American subsidiary continues to coordinate closely with the global TikTok organization. According to a report by Techmeme, these staff members also confirmed that US-based workers are still using Lark, an internal chat application owned by ByteDance, for their daily communications and operational tasks.

These disclosures highlight persistent operational links between the US entity and its parent company despite ongoing efforts to separate the businesses. The information regarding the use of Lark and the level of coordination comes from individuals who have worked within the organization, providing insight into the internal workflows that remain in place during the transition period.

Context and Background

The reports surface in the months leading up to the finalization of a deal to sell TikTok's US operations to a group of investors. This investor group is described as being friendly to President Donald Trump, indicating a significant shift in the ownership structure of the popular social media platform's American branch. The timing suggests that these operational habits were present until the very end of the previous ownership era.

The use of Lark, which is identified as ByteDance's internal chat app, underscores the technical integration between the two entities. By relying on a communication tool owned by the parent company, TikTok US staff maintained a direct digital connection to the global infrastructure. This dependency raises questions about data flow and internal visibility that are central to the national security concerns surrounding the platform.

Who Is Affected

The primary entities affected by these operational realities are TikTok US employees and the broader US market where the service operates. Current and former employees are the source of this information, indicating that the culture of close coordination was widespread enough to be noticed by staff at various levels. The investors involved in the sale deal are also key stakeholders, as they are acquiring an organization with deep existing ties to ByteDance.

US policymakers and regulators who have scrutinized TikTok's operations for potential security risks are also affected by these findings. The continued use of ByteDance's proprietary tools suggests that separating the US operations from the Chinese parent company may be more complex than previously anticipated. This complexity influences the ongoing political and legal debates regarding the platform's future in the United States.

What should you do?

Security professionals and organizations that rely on TikTok for marketing or communication should review their data handling policies. Understanding the technical infrastructure, including the use of internal tools like Lark, helps in assessing the risk of data exposure. Organizations should ensure that no sensitive corporate data is being shared through the platform, given the reported close coordination with global entities.

What to do and how to stay safe: TikTok

• Review organizational policies regarding the use of social media platforms for business communications.
• Ensure that no sensitive or proprietary data is uploaded to or shared via TikTok.
• Monitor official updates regarding the sale of TikTok US operations and any resulting regulatory changes.
• Evaluate the security implications of using services owned by foreign entities for critical business functions.

General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

What app do TikTok US employees use for internal communication?

According to current and former employees, TikTok US staff continue to use Lark, which is ByteDance's internal chat application.

Is TikTok US separate from the global TikTok organization?

Current and former employees say that TikTok US still coordinates closely with the global TikTok organization, indicating ongoing operational links.

When did these reports about Lark and coordination emerge?

These reports emerged in the months before TikTok finalized a deal to sell its US operations to a group of investors friendly to President Donald Trump.