Bleak Times for TikTok as US, Canada, Britain, Belgium, EU, Others Restrict Use

Amidst grueling probe in the US Congress Thursday of Shou Zi Chew, over data security and harmful content, white has ordered all federal agencies to take down TikTok app from official phones and systems.

The ban is sequel to similar bans by Canada, the EU, Taiwan, Belgium and the European Commission.

Canada announced TikTok ban from government-issued devices on Monday. The ban order noted that the app presents an "unacceptable" level of risk to privacy and security. It however, did not cite any specific security concern. 

In addition, European Union's two biggest policy-making institutions last week issued a ban on the use of TikTok from staff phones for cybersecurity reasons.

Although TikTok ban in the US affects no more than 100 million American users, and does not particularly affect private users, increasing concerns over National security after China's balloon drifted over the US, has fuelled the call for an outright ban in the US. 

In December 2022, US Congress voted to bar federal employees from using the video app on government-owned devices. It also gave the Biden administration 60 days to issue agency directives amidst fears that Beijing could be using the devise to spy on Americans.

"this guidance is part of the Administration’s ongoing commitment to securing our digital infrastructure and protecting the American people’s security and privacy." Federal Chief Information Security Officer Chris DeRusha, said. 

Meanwhile, reuter reports that Britain on Thursday also issued a similar ban on the use of the popular app on all government agencies. This was announced in a statement issued by cabinet office minister, Oliver Dowen. 

Following the announcement, the British government mandated the National Cyber Security Centre to consider potential vulnerability of government data from social media apps and risks around how sensitive information could be accessed and used.

"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," Dowen added. 

While briefing Parliament, the cabinet office minister explained that government devices would now only be able to access third party apps from a pre-approved list.

"Restricting the use of TikTok on government devices is a prudent and proportionate step following advice from our cyber security experts," Dowden said.

Indeed TikTok ban in Britain does not include personal devices of government employees, including ministers. There are also indications that there would be limited exemptions particularly in situations where the app is required on government devices for work purposes. For instance, there is an increasing use of the app by officials of government departments and ministers to communicate with voters.

But TikTok is not satisfied with the development, describing it as disappointing particularly as it has already stepped up actions on protecting European user data. Byte Dance, owner of the app believes concerns about insecurity are fueled by misinformation. The outfit also denied using the app to spy on Americans. 

"We believe these bans have been based on fundamental misconceptions and driven by wider geopolitics, in which TikTok, and our millions of users in the UK, play no part," a TikTok spokesperson said.

China has also reacted to the growing TikTop ban. Tersely, China noted that the decision was based on political considerations rather than facts.

The move "interferes with the normal operations of relevant companies in the UK and will ultimately only harm the UK's own interests", a statement from China embassy in London said.