Here are five standout moments from this year’s event, which took place virtually September 27 through October 1:
Pappas is the chief operating officer of TikTok, the most-downloaded app of last year. The platform’s short-video content drew fire in August 2020 from President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order essentially banning the Chinese juggernaut’s access to the U.S. market if operations were not sold to a U.S. company.
In a fireside chat with journalist Kara Swisher, Pappas said TikTok is working with the Biden administration to resolve remaining concerns and that the company has taken significant steps toward building greater accountability. TikTok’s U.S. accountability centers allow researchers to examine the app’s raw code. And when it comes to data security, all U.S. client data is stored domestically and backed up in Singapore, she said.
The kerfuffle has drawn attention away from Pappas’ content strategies for the platform. Previously, she spent seven years at YouTube, where she was global head of creative insights and global head of audience development. Under Pappas’ watch, including a stint as acting CEO, TikTok has become mainstream.
Vanessa Pappas Changes Media—
One Minute Of Video
At A Time
Chief Operating Officer, TikTok
We have very aggressive policies when it comes to misinformation. … But we don’t presume to have all the answers; these are evolving challenges that we face.”
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VANESSA PAPPAS
