Company Directory - ByteDance
Company Details - ByteDance
ByteDance
WebsiteBeijing, China
ByteDance is a Chinese technology company known for its innovative content platforms, most notably TikTok. The company leverages advanced algorithms to enhance user experience and engagement across its various apps and services, fostering creativity and enriching lives through technology.
CCI Score
CCI Score: ByteDance
-35.49
0.18%
Latest Event
ByteDance Challenges Divest-or-Ban Law in U.S. Court
During the FTC antitrust trial, TikTok—under ByteDance’s ownership—highlighted its filings opposing the 2024 divest-or-ban law that would force the sale of its US business. This legal strategy positions ByteDance against measures seen as authoritarian overreach, arguing that the law threatens the platform's unique services and could have irreversible consequences if enforced.
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TOADIE
ByteDance is currently rated as a Toadie.
Latest Events
- APR302025
During the FTC antitrust trial, TikTok—under ByteDance’s ownership—highlighted its filings opposing the 2024 divest-or-ban law that would force the sale of its US business. This legal strategy positions ByteDance against measures seen as authoritarian overreach, arguing that the law threatens the platform's unique services and could have irreversible consequences if enforced.
- APR232024
Forbes reported that ByteDance, parent of TikTok, spent over $7 million on lobbying Congress and advertising in swing states in 2024. The company aimed to educate policymakers and counter legislative moves that could force a sale or an outright U.S. ban of TikTok.
-60
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 30
ByteDance's significant lobbying and advertising expenditure underscores its aggressive attempt to influence U.S. policy in order to avert regulatory actions. This use of corporate financial power to shape legislation is seen as undermining democratic processes by privileging corporate interests over public accountability.
TikTok Parent ByteDance Spent Millions Lobbying Congress Before Ban Votes, Records Show
- APR232024
ByteDance spent over $7 million on lobbying and ad campaigns in 2024, aiming to influence congressional decisions amid threats of a TikTok ban. The disclosures reveal that the company deployed significant resources in political lobbying to educate policymakers and preserve its market presence in the U.S., despite ongoing national security concerns and legislative pressures.
-60
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 30
ByteDance's substantial spending on lobbying efforts, as disclosed in recent filings, demonstrates an attempt to sway policy in its favor and protect its commercial interests despite national security concerns regarding Chinese tech firms. This kind of political spending can undermine democratic accountability and reinforces the influence of corporate money in policymaking, a negative indicator from an anti-fascist perspective.
TikTok Parent ByteDance Spent Millions Lobbying Congress Before Ban Votes, Records Show
- APR232024
ByteDance and its TikTok division spent over $7 million on lobbying efforts and ad campaigns in the first quarter of 2024 to influence Congress and federal agencies, aiming to avert potential U.S. legislation that could ban the app.
-50
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 30
ByteDance's significant spending on in-house lobbying (record $2.68 million) and a major ad campaign totaling over $7 million overall to influence U.S. policymakers reflects a heavy reliance on corporate political power to shape legislation. Such efforts undermine democratic processes and contribute to regulatory capture, which is concerning from an anti-fascist perspective.
ByteDance, TikTok shelled out $7 million on lobbying and ads to combat potential U.S. ban
- OCT262023
ByteDance spent more on federal lobbying in 2023 than in any previous year, setting a new record amid increased scrutiny of TikTok's China ties. This heavy investment in lobbying is viewed as an effort to shape federal policy in its favor, raising concerns about corporate influence in the political process.
-80
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 30
ByteDance's record spending on federal lobbying in 2023 highlights a significant attempt to influence policy decisions. From an anti-fascist perspective, such extensive lobbying may serve to entrench corporate interests over democratic accountability, making it a negative indicator of political influence.
ByteDance sets new lobbying record amid scrutiny of TikTok’s China ties • OpenSecrets
- JUN072023
A San Francisco court filing alleges that ByteDance allowed Chinese Communist Party committee members to use a 'god user' credential to access data on Hong Kong civil rights activists and protest-related content, raising serious concerns about the company's role in supporting authoritarian surveillance practices.
-70
Public and Political Behavior
April 30
The allegations suggest that ByteDance, by permitting CCP members to access sensitive user data, is complicit in practices that align with authoritarian state surveillance. This undermines democratic norms and civil liberties, reflecting deeply problematic public and political behavior.
TikTok: ByteDance accused of helping China spy on Hong Kong activists - BBC
-80
Provision of Repressive Technologies
April 30
The use of a 'superuser' credential by CCP committee members, as alleged in the complaint, indicates that ByteDance's platforms might be providing technology used for repressive surveillance. This not only breaches user trust but also supports authoritarian control measures.
TikTok: ByteDance accused of helping China spy on Hong Kong activists - BBC
- APR022023
ByteDance has spent $14 million on lobbying US government officials since 2019, employing a team of around 40 lobbyists including former government officials, in efforts to influence legislation and address data security concerns.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 30
ByteDance's spending on lobbying, including $5.3 million in 2022, for influencing US government policies and bills such as the United States Innovation and Competition Act and the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act, indicates an effort to shape policy behind closed doors. This political contributions and lobbying effort raises concerns over corporate influence in democratic processes.
-30
Executive Political Engagement
April 30
The recruitment of around 40 lobbyists, including former Senators, Representatives, and congressional staffers, underscores a revolving door dynamic that can undermine democratic accountability and signal undue corporate influence in political decision-making.
- AUG182021
A Chinese government fund, through state agencies, invested RMB 2 million for a 1% stake in Beijing ByteDance Technology, gaining a board seat. This move comes as Beijing tightens oversight over major internet platforms, potentially increasing state influence over digital content and raising concerns about corporate independence.
-50
Economic Collaboration
April 30
ByteDance's acceptance of a 1% stake from a Chinese government fund, accompanied by a board seat, signals a deepening economic collaboration with an authoritarian regime. This increases the likelihood of state interference in corporate governance and digital media content, undermining efforts to maintain transparency and safeguard free expression.
Chinese government builds stake in unit of TikTok-owner ByteDance
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Corporate Financials
- Revenue
- 2023
- $11.00B
- Total Assets
- 2023
- $75.00B
- Operating Income
- 2023
- $2.00B
Employees: 60,000
Industries
- 518210
- Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services
- 541511
- Custom Computer Programming Services
- 511210
- Software Publishers
- 519130
- Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portals