Social media app TikTok has been banned on government electronic
devices, the Cabinet Office has announced today.
The ban comes after Cabinet Office Ministers ordered a
security review. This looked at the potential vulnerability
of government data from social media apps on devices and risks
around how sensitive information could be accessed and used by
some platforms.
Given the potentially sensitive nature of information which is
stored on government devices, government policy on the management
of third party applications will be strengthened and a
precautionary ban on TikTok on government devices is being
introduced.
Currently there is limited use of TikTok within government and
limited need for government staff to use the app on work devices.
This decision is in line with similar restrictions brought in by
key international partners, including the US and Canadian
governments, and the European Commission.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster said:
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.
Restricting the use of TikTok on Government devices is a prudent
and proportionate step following advice from our cyber security
experts.
TikTok requires users to give permission for the app to access
data stored on the device, which is then collected and stored by
the company. Allowing such permissions gives the company access
to a range of data on the device, including contacts, user
content, and geolocation data.
The government, along with our international partners, is
concerned about the way in which this data may be used.
Today’s ban does not extend to personal devices for government
employees, ministers or the general public. Individuals
should be aware of each social media platform’s data policies
when considering downloading and using them.
The ban on government devices applies to government corporate
devices within all government departments.
Specific exemptions for the use of TikTok on government devices
are being put in place where required for work purposes.
Exemptions will only be granted by security teams on a
case-by-case basis, with ministerial clearance as appropriate,
and with security mitigations put in place.
These exemptions will cover areas such as individuals working in
relevant enforcement roles, or for example for the purposes of
work on online harms.
