TikTok will no longer be allowed on UK government phones due to security concerns regarding the Chinese-owned video app, according to reports.
The move was announced by Cabinet Office minister Oliver Dowden who said that the app “could” pose a risk into how government data and information is used.
In a statement, Dowden has emphasised the importance of prioritising the security of sensitive government information. “The use of other data-extracting apps will be kept under review,” he added.
The move makes UK the latest country to ban the social media app in official devices after the US, Canada and the EU.
“Restricting the use of TikTok on government devices is a prudent and proportionate step following advice from our cyber security experts,” Dowden said.
According to the Cabinet Office, the decision was made due to the requirement for TikTok users to provide data that includes contacts, user content, and geolocation data.
TikTok said it was disappointed with the decision and had already begun taking steps to further protect European user data.
Dowden said the ban will take “immediate effect” but pointed out that the government was not advising people against using TikTok in a personal capacity.
