The US's mistrust of TikTok's Chinese ownership has further intensified as the White House gave all federal agencies 30 days to remove TikTok from all government devices, following earlier moves of several US states that also prohibited the app on government-owned gadgets.
The guidance, which was released on Monday, Feb. 27, is hailed by the Office of Management and Budget as a crucial step in addressing the risks that the app allegedly poses to private government information, reported first by AP.
In this photo illustration, the social media application logo, TikTok is displayed on the screen of an iPhone on an American flag background on August 3, 2020 in Arlington, Virginia.
New Guideline
The directive instructs the remainder of the federal government to implement restrictions within 30 days after some departments, such as the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and State, have started reinforcing the ban.
This guideline is a part of the administration's continued commitment to secure digital infrastructure and safeguard the security and privacy of the American people, according to Chris DeRusha, the federal chief information security officer.
As part of a comprehensive government financing package, Congress passed the "No TikTok on Government Devices Act" in December. The law does permit the use of TikTok in specific circumstances, such as the purposes of law enforcement, research, and national security.
"The ban of TikTok on federal devices passed in December without any deliberation, and unfortunately that approach has served as a blueprint for other world governments. These bans are little more than political theater," TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter said in a statement, quoted by AP.
A bill that would grant Biden the authority to outlaw TikTok nationally is anticipated to move forward in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. Rep. Michael McCaul's measure seeks to avoid the legal obstacles the administration would have if it pursued sanctions on the social media company.
If approved, the proposal would give the administration the authority to impose a ban on any software program that poses a risk to national security and not just TikTok.
Canada Bans TikTok
TikTok is particularly popular with the younger generation due to its shareable visual content. However, the US has long been concerned that Beijing may use the app to steal American user data.
However, the US is not the only one with such concerns.
According to an announcement from Canada's Treasury Board, TikTok will no longer be available on mobile devices provided by the government starting on February 28.
The ban was imposed due to concerns that TikTok may provide unprecedented levels of risks to privacy and security. However, it is worth noting that no proof has been found that the app has compromised government data but its Chinese ownership has ultimately prompted the US and Canada to take precautions.
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