The Security Bench

TikTok Ban: National Security, Data Risks, and the Future of Social Media w/ Sem Ponnambalam

Duronke Episode 1

In this episode of The Security Bench, I’m joined by Sem Ponnambalam, CEO and Co-Founder of xahive, a global cybersecurity firm with offices in the US, Canada, and the UK.

With over 22 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, Sam has advised Canadian Prime Ministers Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau, as well as numerous Federal Cabinet Ministers.

She has also provided cybersecurity consulting to organizations such as the UN, EU, and the Department of Defence in Canada, along with international financial and healthcare institutions.

Together, we dive into the security risks of TikTok, Canada's partial ban, and the growing need for a unified global policy to protect data privacy across all platforms.

Sem, a sought-after thought leader and cyber panelist at the World Economic Forum and G20 Youth Summit, shares her expert insights on the future of cybersecurity in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Show Notes

00:00 – Sem’s background in cybersecurity, including her work with the Canadian government, UN, and EU.
03:00 – Introduction to the Canadian government’s partial TikTok ban and data privacy concerns.
05:00 – The impact of TikTok’s data collection on government officials and citizens.
08:00 – The need for a unified global data privacy policy for foreign-owned platforms.
10:30 – TikTok’s risks to minors, including harmful content and privacy issues.
13:00 – The balance between national security and the social/economic impact of banning TikTok.
16:00 – Potential cybersecurity risks from TikTok, including espionage and malware.
18:30 – The need for comprehensive data privacy legislation and better cybersecurity practices.
21:00 – Final thoughts on protecting data privacy and the role of global regulations.


Connect with Sem:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sem-ponnambalam-697a181/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/10012797/admin/dashboard/


Connect with Duronke:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/durowoleso/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSecurityBench