New York City has banned employees from having TikTok on government-owned devices, citing security concerns.
Employees from government agencies will be given 30 days to delete the video and social media app from their devices, an NYC city hall spokesperson told The Hill regarding the announcement made on Wednesday.
TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese company, ByteDance, has received criticism from people pointing out the security threats the app poses.
“While social media is great at connecting New Yorkers with one another and the city, we have to ensure we are always using these platforms in a secure manner,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
New York City has banned TikTok on government-owned devices due to security concerns. TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, has faced growing calls from US lawmakers for a nationwide ban over concerns about possible Chinese government influence https://t.co/5kuejIsC60 pic.twitter.com/Loq2tC1UOW
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 17, 2023
“NYC Cyber Command regularly explores and advances proactive measures to keep New Yorkers’ data safe,” the spokesperson said. “As part of these ongoing efforts, NYC Cyber Command determined that the TikTok application posed a security threat to the city’s technical networks and directed its removal from city-owned devices.”
Many people have pointed out that TikTok can gain access to valuable information, including government information and military infrastructure, and that the Chinese government can see this wide array of information.
Another concern with the app is TikTok’s algorithm is used to spread disinformation and divide Americans.
The NYC Sanitation TikTok account now says, “This account was operated by NYC until August 2023. It’s no longer monitored.” Additionally, the account for the NYC Police Department now says, “This account was run by the NYPD until 8/17/2023. It is no longer active or monitored.”
New York City’s decision to ban TikTok from government devices comes as 30 states, including Michigan, Montana, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana and Maryland, have TikTok bans in place for government employees and for college students.