In a move to protect its cyber security, the French government has banned civil servants from using TikTok on their mobile phones while at work. The decision comes amid concerns about data leakage from the popular social media app.
French Minister of Civil Affairs Stanislas Guerini announced the ban in a tweet, stating that it was necessary “to maintain the cyber security of officials and bureaucratic systems”. The order took immediate effect.
France is not alone in its concerns about TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, and the Chinese government’s potential access to users’ data and locations. Other European countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, and New Zealand have already issued similar bans on TikTok for government officials.
TikTok has become one of the most popular social media apps in recent years, particularly among younger users. However, its popularity has also led to concerns about data privacy and security, particularly given its ties to China.
In response to these concerns, TikTok has implemented a number of measures to increase transparency and protect user data. For example, the company has established a Transparency and Accountability Center in the United States, where experts can review its algorithms and data privacy practices.
Despite these efforts, many governments remain wary of the app’s potential risks, particularly for government officials and other sensitive targets. The French ban on TikTok for civil servants is just the latest example of this trend.