New Zealand To Ban TikTok
TikTok spent over $1.5 billion on data security measures and denies spying allegations.New Zealand is set to prohibit the TikTok app on devices linked to the parliamentary network because of cybersecurity concerns.
They become the latest country in restricting the video-sharing app on government-related devices.
Global concern grows over Chinese government accessing user data through ByteDance, TikTok's parent company.
This week, US President Joe Biden's administration urged TikTok's Chinese owners to sell their ownership shares, warning that the app may be prohibited in the US if they do not.
TikTok will be prohibited in New Zealand on devices having access to the parliament's network by March end. According to Parliamentary Service chief executive Rafael Gonzalez-Montero, this decision came in after conversations with government and global security experts.
"The Service found the risks unsuitable for the New Zealand Parliament environment," he stated after analyzing the data.
He said accommodations can be made for job-related app usage.
No response was received from ByteDance to Reuters comment request.
The UK has banned the app on government phones and US government agencies must delete it from official devices by the end of March.
TikTok spent over $1.5 billion on data security measures and denies spying allegations, stating that recent bans are fueled by geopolitical factors and fundamental misunderstandings.
Also Read, from May 2020: For The Love Of God, Ban TikTok Already
An Appeal...
Dear Reader,
As you are no doubt aware, Swarajya is a media product that is directly dependent on support from its readers in the form of subscriptions. We do not have the muscle and backing of a large media conglomerate nor are we playing for the large advertisement sweep-stake.
Our business model is you and your subscription. And in challenging times like these, we need your support now more than ever.
We deliver over 10 - 15 high quality articles with expert insights and views. From 7AM in the morning to 10PM late night we operate to ensure you, the reader, get to see what is just right.
Becoming a Patron or a subscriber for as little as Rs 1200/year is the best way you can support our efforts.
