It is well known that TikTok, the video-based social network, has gained worldwide popularity due to its vast range of content. However, this has not prevented the app from becoming embroiled in controversies in some parts of the world, leading to its prohibition or restriction in certain countries.
TikTok has faced restrictions in various countries due to concerns over its content. Some governments fear that TikTok could be used for censorship, political propaganda, or to collect user information. There are also concerns about inappropriate content on the platform, especially regarding younger audiences; in fact, users have reported encountering sexually explicit or violent videos.
In February 2023, the European Commission banned the installation and use of TikTok on both official and personal devices of employees if used for work purposes, citing cybersecurity issues. This measure followed the example set by the United States, which in early January also banned the use of TikTok on government devices, fearing that personal data could fall into the hands of the Chinese government. This prohibition also applies to federal employees who use government-provided devices. Starting January 1, 2024, if courts do not intervene, the app will also be banned for residents of the state of Montana, becoming the first U.S. region to completely block it.
Shortly after, in March 2023, the United Kingdom joined in banning TikTok on the mobile phones of ministers and public officials. Related to this, the BBC, partly funded by the UK government, followed the government’s lead by instructing its employees to restrict TikTok’s use, limiting it to corporate devices for work-related purposes only.
Similarly, Denmark’s Ministry of Defense adopted measures like those in the UK, barring employees from having the app on work phones, as the country’s Cybersecurity Center assessed that there was a risk of espionage and that TikTok requests certain rights and access on the device.
The Canadian government also banned the app on all government devices, as did New Zealand, ensuring that TikTok would be prohibited on any device with access to the parliamentary network by the end of March 2023.
The French government joined this initiative, extending the ban to all “recreational apps.” These types of applications are no longer allowed on any official mobile device of government members.
Over a year after the Canadian government banned TikTok installation on government devices, it has escalated its restrictions on the Chinese app. This week, it issued an order for TikTok to shut down its operations in the country, claiming that these activities pose a risk to national security.
François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, explained that the order for TikTok to dissolve its business in Canada does not mean that the app will be unavailable to users within the country. “The decision we made was to protect Canada’s national security based on analysis conducted with our security services, concluding that the activities TikTok carried out in Canada from its offices would be detrimental to national security.”
Currently, the popular social network has two offices in Canada, one in Toronto and another in Vancouver, which will have to close in compliance with the government’s order. However, TikTok Canada will not leave the country without resistance, and it has decided to challenge the measure in court.
India banned TikTok in June 2020, along with 58 other Chinese applications. The Asian country explained that it took this action due to concerns over national security and data privacy, arguing that these applications were involved in activities harmful to India’s sovereignty, integrity, and defense.
Following India’s decision, other Asian countries implemented similar measures. In Pakistan, the app was banned by the country’s telecommunications regulator, citing concerns over the spread of obscene, inappropriate, blasphemous, and immoral content. Bangladesh also ordered a ban on TikTok, citing concerns over security and pornographic content.
On numerous occasions, the platform has expressed its disappointment with the decisions of various governments and has defended its commitment to protecting user data and privacy. It has also stated that it is willing to work with governments to address any cybersecurity concerns.
Image: Unsplash
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Δ