The White House has given federal agencies 30 days to remove TikTok from all government-issued devices. December 2022 ban on social media apps.
The announcement comes from Shalanda Young, Director of the Office of Management and Budget. memo For executive departments and institutions on Mondays.
In particular, executives said all enforcement agencies and those with whom they have contracted must remove applications from TikTok and its China-based parent company ByteDance within 30 days of notification.
In addition, the agency must include in its contract that the video app cannot be used on the device within 90 days and must cancel any existing contract requiring the use of the app.
“We hope Congress will seek a solution to national security concerns about TikTok, which is ineffective at censoring the voices of millions of Americans,” said Brooke, a spokesperson for the company. Overwetter said. on Twitter.
Still, Chris Vaughan, vice president of technical account management, said: taniumthe move recognizes that the agency recognizes that a comprehensive approach is essential to protecting U.S. citizens from social media campaigns designed to further foreign political ends and deepen divisions. is shown.
“China’s espionage tactics are bolstered by continuous collection of user data, such as commercial transactions and purchase information, combined with biometrics and activity tracking. [which] It provides detailed information to be used in operations with long-term objectives,” Vaughan said. Information securityreferring to claims that TikTok and ByteDance share user data with the Chinese government.
“Such data can provide targeted and timely psychological operations against individuals or groups of citizens.”
For example, Russia was observed conducting such campaigns during the 2016 US elections and the UK’s Brexit referendum, according to security experts.
“Meanwhile, China’s focus has been on intellectual property theft, [Chinese Communist Party] It may turn to information to influence operations and advance strategic objectives,” Vaughan wrote in an email. Information security.
“Such cases must be addressed head-on by US and other Western political leaders, and this ban is beginning to reflect that recognition.”
30-day deadline comes hours ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau TikTok ban announced From any government-issued mobile device.European Commission announced similar plans last week.
