"UK Joins US, Canada, Others in Banning TikTok From Government Devices"

The UK government has recently announced plans to ban the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok from all government devices.  The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, confirmed the plans earlier today after Cabinet Office Ministers ordered a security review of the app.  Dowden stated that upon installation, the TikTok app requires users to give permission to access data stored on the device.  According to the UK government, this data, which includes contacts, user content, and geolocation coordinates, is collected and held by the company.  Dowden said the government and its international partners are concerned about how this data may be used.  Dowden clarified the ban does not extend to personal devices for government employees, ministers, or the general public.  Further, exceptions for using TikTok on government devices are currently being developed for specific work purposes, such as enforcement roles or online harm investigations.

Infosecurity reports: "UK Joins US, Canada, Others in Banning TikTok From Government Devices"