In the era of escalating digital security concerns, TikTok finds itself ensnared in a global maelstrom of controversy.
Once a beloved app celebrated for its skyrocketing popularity, TikTok is now facing a barrage of bans fueled by a confluence of concerns ranging from data privacy infringements to apprehensions about national security and content censorship.
Despite its widespread appeal, TikTok’s journey has been riddled with controversies, prompting governments to pull the plug to protect their citizens.
Here’s a rundown of countries that have banned TikTok and the reasons behind their decisions:
United States: In response to data security concerns, the US government has issued a ban on federal agencies from utilising TikTok on their devices and systems. Additionally, a number of states, including Texas, Maryland, Alabama, and Utah, have enforced prohibitions on TikTok usage for state government agencies, employees, and contractors, specifically on government-issued devices. Following suit with state bans, numerous public universities have also taken steps to restrict TikTok usage. According to reports from the Economic Times, institutions such as Boise State University and the University of Oklahoma have implemented measures to block TikTok access on campus Wi-Fi networks and university-owned computers.
Taiwan: In December 2022, Taiwan implemented a ban on TikTok within the public sector following a warning from the FBI regarding potential national security risks associated with the app. As per the ban, government devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers, are prohibited from using software originating from China, which includes TikTok.
India:In 2020, the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi implemented a nationwide ban on TikTok and several other Chinese apps. This decision came in the wake of escalating tensions and a clash at the border between India and China. Citing privacy and security concerns, the Indian government took action to restrict the use of these apps, including TikTok, as part of efforts to safeguard national interests and protect user data.
European Union: The European Parliament, European Commission, and EU Council, the key institutions of the 27-member European Union, collectively enforced a ban on TikTok across staff devices. Notably, the European Parliament’s directive extended to lawmakers and staff, who were additionally advised to uninstall the TikTok application from their personal devices, citing cybersecurity concerns.
Australia has become the latest country to implement a ban on TikTok from devices issued by the federal government. Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus announced this decision after receiving advice from the country’s intelligence and security agencies. He said TikTok poses security and privacy risks due to the “extensive collection of user data and exposure to extrajudicial directions from a foreign government that conflict with Australian law.”
France: On March 24, the French government introduced a ban on the installation and use of “recreational” applications, including TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram, on the work phones of approximately 2.5 million civil servants. This ban, conveyed through a “binding” instruction, came into immediate effect. Notably, it does not extend to the personal phones of state employees. The decision follows concerns over insufficient data security measures associated with these social media platforms.
Afghanistan: In 2022, the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan issued a ban on TikTok and the popular game PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds), citing the protection of youths from “being misled.”
Pakistan: Pakistani authorities have taken temporary measures to ban TikTok on at least four occasions since October 2020. The rationale behind these bans has been concerns raised over the app’s promotion of immoral content.
Nepal: The Nepali government has implemented a nationwide ban on TikTok with the aim of safeguarding “social harmony.”
New Zealand: Lawmakers and staff at New Zealand’s Parliament are prohibited from using the TikTok app on their work phones, following guidance from government cybersecurity experts. The ban, announced on March 17, affects approximately 500 individuals within the parliamentary complex. However, exceptions can be made if officials require TikTok for their democratic duties, according to Parliamentary Service Chief Executive Rafael Gonzalez-Montero.
United Kingdom: On March 16, Oliver Dowden, the UK Secretary of State in the Cabinet Office, declared an immediate ban on the TikTok app for government official devices. Dowden described the move as a precautionary measure for maintaining “good cyber hygiene,” emphasizing the limited use of TikTok across government departments. The decision stemmed from a report by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, which highlighted potential risks associated with sensitive government data on certain platforms. Despite being one of the first countries to restrict the use of other Chinese-owned technologies like Huawei, critics raised concerns over the delay in banning TikTok compared to allied nations.
