TikTok on the way out? Greater London Authority bans TikTok on all staff devices – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

TikTok on the way out? Greater London Authority bans TikTok on all staff devices




Image soruce: Sky

London City Hall staff will no longer be allowed to have TikTok on their devices in the latest ban imposed by Western governments and authorities on the Chinese-owned social media app for security reasons, reports RTE.

The Greater London Authority said the rule was implemented because it takes information security “extremely seriously”.

The UK government has banned ministers from using video-sharing apps on their office phones following a security review.

The House of Commons and Lords also cited security concerns as it decided to ban the app at the Palace of Westminster.

The Scottish government is banning the official tools over concerns “on the potential tracking and privacy risks from certain social media apps”, reports RTE.

A spokesperson for the GLA said: “The GLA takes information security extremely seriously. In line with the government’s decision, TikTok will no longer be available on GLA devices,” reports RTE.

TikTok, owned by Chinese internet company ByteDance, claims it does not share data with China.

However, Beijing’s intelligence law requires companies to help the Communist Party when asked.

When the UK government announced its ban last week, citing a risk to “sensitive” data, China reacted angrily.

A TikTok spokesperson said: “As we have said, we believe these bans are based on fundamental misconceptions and driven by wider geopolitics. We are readily available to meet with the Mayor to address any concerns but should be judged on facts and treated equally to our competitors. “We have begun implementing a comprehensive plan to further protect our European user data, which includes storing UK user data in our European data centres and tightening data access controls, including third-party independent oversight of our approach,” reports RTE.

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