"Georgia, NH Latest States to Ban TikTok From State Computers"

On Thursday, Governors Brian Kemp of Georgia and Chris Sununu of New Hampshire immediately banned the use of TikTok and popular messaging applications from all computer devices controlled by their state governments.  The governors noted that the Chinese government may be able to access users' personal information.  Both Republican governors also banned the messaging app WeChat and other apps owned by the Chinese firm Tencent.  Sununu went further, banning apps owned by Chinese firm Alibaba and telecommunications hardware and smartphones made by Chinese firms, including Huawei and ZTE.  Kemp also banned Telegram, saying its Russian control poses similar risks.  Sununu ordered state agencies to remove any prohibited software or hardware within 30 days.  Kemp and Sununu are among at least 14 governors to take such an action, part of a wave that also includes calls for Congress to ban the use of the programs from federal government computers.  Other states that have issued bans include Alabama, Idaho, Iowa, Maryland, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Utah.

The Associated Press reports: "Georgia, NH Latest States to Ban TikTok From State Computers"