On September 21, 2025, international media simultaneously reported a historic turning point for TikTok in the U.S. market: Parent company ByteDance will retain only 1 out of 7 seats on the new U.S. board of directors and hold less than 20% ownership in the company that manages TikTok’s U.S. operations. All U.S. user data will be localized and stored on Oracle’s cloud infrastructure, while TikTok’s core asset—its recommendation algorithm—will be separated and supervised by a U.S.-based technical team.
What lies behind this restructuring? In a single word: data security and sovereignty. And this is a critical lesson for every organization, from global corporations to fast-growing startups.
Data – The “New Gold” of the Digital Era
If oil was the strategic resource of the 20th century, data is the priceless asset of the 21st. User data empowers businesses to analyze behavior, optimize products, and shape marketing strategies. However, this value comes with enormous risks: leaks, unauthorized access, or misuse can cause devastating financial, reputational, and legal damages.
TikTok’s forced transfer of control in the U.S. reflects a clear reality: every nation wants to safeguard its citizens’ data as a matter of national security. Before the U.S., the European Union enforced the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), setting some of the world’s strictest privacy standards. In Vietnam, the Cybersecurity Law and related decrees also require companies to store user data domestically and comply with strict security measures.
In today’s world, data security is no longer just an internal responsibility—it has become a strategic competitive advantage and a “passport” to global markets.
What Businesses Must Do to Protect Data
From TikTok’s story, three key actions stand out for organizations aiming to secure their most valuable resource:
Invest in Multi-Layered Security Infrastructure
Data protection cannot rely on scattered, ad hoc solutions. Companies need a comprehensive security architecture that includes:
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Servers and storage services that meet international security standards.
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Encrypted backups, multi-layer firewalls, and continuous monitoring systems.
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Strict access controls and role-based permissions to prevent internal breaches.
Comply with Global Standards and Regulations
While ISO/IEC 27001 is widely recognized as the backbone of information security management, forward-thinking organizations can pursue additional certifications to strengthen their credibility:
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SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2):
Developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), SOC 2 evaluates security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. It is critical for SaaS providers and cloud platforms that must prove transparent data handling. -
PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard):
Mandatory for businesses processing credit card payments, PCI DSS focuses on encrypting and protecting financial data to minimize fraud in online transactions. -
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act):
Required for healthcare and health-tech companies, HIPAA sets strict rules for safeguarding patient data, covering both privacy and security requirements. -
CSA STAR (Cloud Security Alliance Security, Trust & Assurance Registry):
A certification specifically for cloud service providers, CSA STAR assesses the ability to secure and manage data on cloud-based platforms—a growing priority in digital transformation.
Each certification provides a strategic edge, depending on a company’s business model and target markets.
Build a Security-First Culture Through Training
Statistics show that human error remains the leading cause of data breaches. Regular employee training—covering risk awareness, password management, and incident response—is essential. Security is not just technology; it is also a habit and an organizational mindset.
Choosing the Right Technology Partner – A Strategic Move
Not every company has the resources to build a complete security system in-house. Partnering with a trusted technology provider is often the most cost-effective and reliable solution, ensuring compliance while allowing businesses to focus on growth.
An ideal partner should offer:
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Deep technical expertise and familiarity with global security standards.
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Transparent development processes, from requirement analysis to deployment and maintenance.
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Recognized international certifications to validate quality and trustworthiness.
gumi Solutions – ISO-Certified and Future-Ready
At gumi Solutions, data security is not just a project checklist—it is a core philosophy embedded in every product and service. We are ISO/IEC 27001 certified, proving our ability to manage information security to global standards and to comply with data protection laws in Vietnam and international markets.
Beyond ISO, gumi continuously adopts advanced frameworks such as SOC 2 and the recommendations of the Cloud Security Alliance, ensuring peace of mind for clients deploying cloud-based or SaaS solutions.
Our software offerings—whether ERP systems for factory management, LMS platforms for corporate training, or interactive technology solutions for events—are all built with:
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Multi-layer encryption and end-to-end security models.
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Regular penetration testing to detect and address vulnerabilities.
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Localization features to meet regional data protection regulations, enabling seamless international expansion.
From Challenge to Competitive Advantage
TikTok’s restructuring sends a powerful message: data security is no longer optional—it is a prerequisite for survival and growth. Companies that neglect this responsibility risk market restrictions, loss of customer trust, and even legal penalties. Conversely, those that invest in robust security practices and partner with certified technology providers gain a lasting competitive edge.
Final Thoughts
From the U.S. tightening control over TikTok to the rising tide of global privacy regulations, the message to businesses is crystal clear: Treat data as a priceless asset and protect it as you would your company’s future.
If you are seeking a technology partner that combines deep technical expertise with a proven track record in security, gumi Solutions is a trusted choice. With ISO/IEC 27001 certification, ongoing alignment with standards like SOC 2 and CSA STAR, and extensive experience delivering large-scale projects, gumi empowers businesses to expand, grow, and compete globally—safely and sustainably.