The UK government has joined other countries, including the US and Canada, in banning the popular social media app TikTok from all government-issued devices. The move comes after concerns were raised about the app’s security and privacy, particularly regarding its data-sharing practices with the Chinese government.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, confirmed the decision following a security review of the app by Cabinet Office Ministers. “The security of sensitive government information must come first, so today, we are banning this app on government devices. The use of other data-extracting apps will be kept under review,” Dowden said in a statement.

Upon installation, TikTok requires users to grant permission to access data stored on the device, including contacts, user content, and geolocation coordinates. The UK government has expressed concerns about how this data may be used and collected by the company.

Dowden clarified that the ban does not extend to personal devices for government employees, ministers, or the general public. However, exceptions for the use of TikTok on government devices are being developed for specific work purposes, such as enforcement roles or online harms investigations.

The UK ban on TikTok follows similar moves by other countries, including the US, Canada, Belgium, and the European Commission, which have also barred the app from being installed on government-issued devices. The concern is that the app’s data-collection practices may pose a risk to sensitive government information and potentially compromise national security.

Experts have noted that this ban on TikTok is a prudent and proportionate step by the UK government, given the concerns around the app’s security and privacy. Some have even called for an expansion of the ban to include other social media apps, such as Facebook and Twitter, due to concerns over data-sharing and potential security risks.

The ban on TikTok is likely to continue to be a subject of debate and discussion, with governments worldwide seeking to balance the benefits of social media with the need to safeguard sensitive information and national security.

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