New York City Bans TikTok on Government Devices Over Security Fears
Updated: Jan 8
The popular short-form video app has been blocked in America's largest city, amid rising concerns over potential Chinese government access to users' data.
New York City has banned TikTok on all government-owned devices, becoming the latest U.S. city to restrict use of the app due to cybersecurity risks.
The ban, announced Wednesday, requires all city agencies to remove TikTok from mobile devices and networks within 30 days. Employees will lose access to the app and website on any city-owned tech. It follows worries that TikTok's Chinese parent firm ByteDance could share American user data with Beijing or use the app to push pro-China narratives.
TikTok is used by over 150 million Americans. But top U.S. security chiefs allege it "screams" national security issues.
FBI Director Christopher Wray said China could control devices via TikTok and divide Americans. New York's ban cited similar tech security threats.
TikTok denies sharing U.S. user data with China's government. It claims to have safeguarded TikTok user privacy and security. But the app is already prohibited on state-owned devices in New York and other states. A nationwide TikTok ban was previously pursued by ex-President Donald Trump.
Polls show nearly half of U.S. adults now back restricting TikTok. A new ban in Montana is being legally contested.
As security concerns stack up, more cities and states are likely to follow New York's lead in cutting government ties to TikTok.
New York City has banned TikTok on all government-owned mobile devices and networks
Comes amid rising national security worries over TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance
Follows claims China could access U.S. user data or push narratives via the app
New York follows states banning TikTok on state devices and Trump's failed ban effort
Source: REUTERS