For security reasons, British government ministers are not permitted to use the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok on their official phones or devices.
The administration is concerned that the Chinese government may gain access to private information stored on official phones.
Britain Bans TikTok on Government Devices
The United Kingdom joined allies in Canada, the European Union, and the United States by banning TikTok from official government devices.
According to a government announcement, U.K. officials do not frequently use the social media app, but the move underscores worries about TikTok's connections to China through its parent firm, ByteDance, and the potential for Chinese government pressure on the companies to pass over user data.
“This is a proportionate move based on a specific risk with government devices,” U.K. Cabinet Office Minister Oliver Dowden told lawmakers.
Oliver Dowden stated that the ban was a "precautionary" measure but would go into action immediately.
Several Countries Have Banned TikTok
TikTok was banned from official devices in the U.S. in December, and the EU did the same last month. Similar measures have been used by Canada, Belgium, and India.
A similar restriction on government devices was announced in New Zealand.
In reply to claims that the White House wants TikTok's Chinese owners to sell their shares in the company, China has accused the U.S. of disseminating misinformation and censoring the app.
Notwithstanding TikTok's claims to the contrary, Chinese intelligence rules require businesses to assist the Communist Party when requested.
Additionally, China restricts some Western social media apps, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
TikTok to Update its Community Guidelines
New rules have been released by the Chinese-owned app, upgrading privacy and regulation principles in light of security worries from international governments.
The most thorough update to the TikTok Community Rules to date will take effect on April 21.
By providing everyone with greater details about its safety regulations and how it implements them, the update will further its commitment to transparency.
This update includes: introducing a more readable structure with new topic areas; Publishing Community Principles for the first time, which serve as the foundation for the Community Guidelines and the app's commitment to human rights; providing more information about policies and the steps taken to enforce them.
Social Media Users’ Reaction to the Ban
MagicStu, a Twitter user, predicted the next stage of the app’s full banning in the U.K.
Another Twitter user called "Alex Scroxton" expressed concern about the data that social media platforms collect from their users by saying, "The UK government’s ban on TikTok should give all organisations cause to look into what information social media platforms are collecting on us, and what they are using it for."
Another Twitter user expressed his satisfaction since the software has been blocked from U.K. government devices due to concerns about spying.
The tweet reads, "It's interesting seeing TikTok has been banned from the European Commission, US, Canada, and UK government phones. TikTok’s credibility was damaged last year when ByteDance admitted that employees had used the app to spy on reporters..but the public remain vulnerable."
Misbar’s Sources:
