The European Union has taken the unusual step of banning the use of TikTok on phones and devices issued to staff, citing concerns over security and data privacy. This follows similar moves in the U.S., where more than half of the states and Congress have banned TikTok from official government devices.
The European Commission’s Corporate Management Board said the decision was taken “to increase the commission’s cybersecurity” and to “protect the commission against cybersecurity threats and actions which may be exploited for cyberattacks against the corporate environment of the commission.”
Staffers have been given until March 15th to delete TikTok from any personal devices that they use for professional business.
The ban follows intensifying scrutiny from Europe and the U.S. over security and data privacy amid worries that the hugely popular app could be used to promote pro-Beijing views or sweep up users’ information. This is part of a wider technology tug of war between China and the West.
In Norway, Justice Minister Monica Maeland was forced to apologize for failing to disclose that she had installed TikTok on her government-issued phone.
TikTok has said it plans to open two more European data centers to allay data privacy fears.
The European Union’s decision to ban TikTok from phones used by employees is a reflection of the intensifying scrutiny over security and data privacy. It is part of a wider technology tug of war between China and the West, and shows that the European Commission is taking steps to protect itself against possible cyber attacks.
Key Points:
• European Union has temporarily banned the use of TikTok from phones used by employees
• Move follows similar bans in the U.S.
• Decision taken to increase the commission’s cybersecurity
• Staffers have been given until March 15th to delete TikTok from personal devices used for professional business
• Move reflects intensifying scrutiny over security and data privacy
• Part of a wider technology tug of war between China and the West
• TikTok has said it plans to open two more European data centers to allay data privacy fears