The UK Government has banned the Chinese-owned app TikTok on official devices due to security concerns
. Cabinet Office minister Oliver Dowden announced the ban in the House of Commons on Thursday, following a review by the National Cyber Security Centre prompted by Security minister Tom Tugendhat.
The decision came after senior MPs called on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to follow the example set by the US and the European Union in banning TikTok on government devices. TikTok has been accused of sharing data with China, but the company has denied the allegations.
TikTok said the ban was based on “misplaced fears” and accused the US of spreading disinformation and suppressing the app. The move is likely to anger Beijing, which has accused the US of trying to undermine Chinese businesses.
The ban does not affect the general public, and Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan has assured them that they can continue to use the app. However, critics have warned that the policy could expose western data to Beijing.
Last year, Parliament’s TikTok account was shut down following concerns raised by MPs about the company’s links to China. The decision to ban TikTok on government devices is expected to heighten tensions between the UK and China, and may lead to further restrictions on Chinese technology in the future.
