EU Commission , Bans TikTok , From Staffers' Phones.
On February 23, the European Union's executive
branch temporarily banned TikTok from phones
used by employees, citing cybersecurity concerns.
On February 23, the European Union's executive
branch temporarily banned TikTok from phones
used by employees, citing cybersecurity concerns.
NBC reports that the news reflects
Western officials' increasing concerns about
the Chinese-owned social media app.
The European Commission's Corporate Management
Board suspended the use of TikTok on both government-
issued or personal devices that are used for work by staff.
According to NBC, officials worry that the
popular app could be utilized to promote Beijing propaganda and access users' information.
The decision by the EU follows similar moves in the United
States where over half of the states and Congress have
banned official government devices from using TikTok.
The decision by the EU follows similar moves in the United
States where over half of the states and Congress have
banned official government devices from using TikTok.
The reason why this decision
has been taken is to ... increase
the commission’s cybersecurity, Sonya Gospodinova, commission spokesperson, via NBC.
Also, the measure aims to protect
the commission against cybersecurity
threats and actions which may be
exploited for cyberattacks against the
corporate environment of the commission, Sonya Gospodinova, commission spokesperson, via NBC.
NBC reports that spokespeople for
the commission declined to say if
a specific event triggered the suspension. .
Representatives for the EU said that staffers will
be required to delete TikTok from any device that
is used for professional business by March 15.
Representatives also declined to
provide any details on how the new
measures would be enforced.