What Is A Government Device As TikTok Is Banned?

Many governments have considered banning TikTok in a variety of different capacities. Speculation has been made about users no longer being able to use the app for years now. With many members of the public enjoying use of the app, this can be concerning news. At times, creators have even posted their goodbye videos — just in case. The latest ban in the UK has sparked similar fears for some. However, you may be relieved to know that it is not an all-out ban. Here is a breakdown of what is a government device as lawmakers are no longer allowed to use TikTok on their work devices.

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Is TikTok Getting Banned In The UK?

The Cabinet Office has announced that TikTok will not be allowed on government electronic devices as part of a security review. The UK government is not the first to instate such a policy, with the US and Canadian governments having implemented similar measures in the past, as well as the European Commission. However, this does not constitute an all-out ban of TikTok in the UK.

What Is A Government Device?

The key to understanding this ban and who it affects is in understanding what constitutes a government device. It applies to “government corporate devices,” which are devices whose express purpose is to be used within the operation of the government. This includes work phones and computers of government employees. Personal devices belonging to government employees, however, do not apply, and can still have the app installed. The general public will not be affected by the ban.

Exemptions may be made for government devices where the use of the app is necessary for work purposes.

Why Is TikTok Being Banned In UK Government?

The reason for the ban has to do with concerns regarding the app’s storage of data. When a user signs up for the app, they must give permission for it to access data which includes the phone’s location and contacts.

Oliver Dowden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “The security of sensitive government information must come first, so today we are banning this app on government devices. The use of other data-extracting apps will be kept under review.

“Restricting the use of TikTok on Government devices is a prudent and proportionate step following advice from our cyber security experts.”

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Zoe Kramer

Zoe Kramer is a full-time staff writer on Freshered. She graduated from Cardiff University in 2022 with a BA in Journalism, Media and English Literature. During her time in university, she worked for her student newspaper as well as completing an internship with a book publisher. She has also written and continues to write book and theatre reviews. She is excited to now be pursuing a career as a journalist and learning something new every day. In particular, she loves writing about student life, books, the Internet, and travel. Originally from the United States, she is enjoying living abroad in the UK.