The UK bans the use of TikTok on government devices for security reasons. This was announced by the Minister of State, Oliver Dowden, in Parliament, declaring that the short video application will no longer be able to be used on government devices with immediate effect.
The measure is taken as a precaution due to the potential risks involved in accessing and storing large amounts of data. TikTok’s critics point out that the company has ties to the Chinese authorities and that they could access user data around the world, something the platform has repeatedly denied.
Although there was already limited use of TikTok within the government, Minister Dowden believes that the ban is necessary to maintain good cyber hygiene and protect sensitive information handled on these devices.
This measure is not an isolated event. Similar measures have been taken in the United States, Canada and the European Union, which demonstrates the international concern regarding online security and the handling of personal data.
In this sense, it is important to highlight that online security is one of the main concerns of users around the world. Personal information that is handled on the network can be used for malicious purposes, so it is necessary to take measures to protect it.
That is why the ban on TikTok on government devices in the UK is an important step in protecting personal data and privacy online. This measure shows that the authorities are taking cybersecurity seriously and are willing to take steps to protect citizens’ personal data.
However, it is important to clarify that this measure does not imply a general ban on TikTok in the United Kingdom. The platform will continue to be accessible to users on personal devices, but a restriction has been placed on the use of the app on government devices.
It is necessary to emphasize that, as users, we can also take measures to protect our privacy online. Some recommendations include reviewing the privacy policies of the apps we use, limiting access to our personal data, avoiding sharing sensitive information, and using strong passwords.