New York City : In a move that underscores heightened security measures, New York has officially banned the popular social media app TikTok on state-owned devices. The decision comes amid concerns regarding data privacy and the potential sharing of user information with Chinese authorities. TikTok, owned by ByteDance, a Chinese corporation, has faced mounting scrutiny for its handling of user data, prompting this ban on government-issued mobile phones in the state.
Officials have emphasised that the ban is a precautionary step to protect sensitive personal information from potential misuse. The ban entails that TikTok will not be accessible on devices provided by the government for a period of three years, marking a significant development in the ongoing dialogue around data security and privacy.
The decision follows prior apprehensions expressed by the United States administration over the possibility of China leveraging TikTok to track American citizens and access their personal data. This concern spurred the implementation of similar bans on TikTok in several other states across the United States, reinforcing widespread apprehension about potential vulnerabilities in the app’s data-sharing practises.
The ban aligns with a trend observed globally, with India being one of the earliest countries to impose restrictions on TikTok. The Indian government had banned the app several years ago, citing security concerns and the potential for data breaches that could compromise user privacy.
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