US Bans Government Users From Using TikTok

Over the last few years, various members of the US government have made it clear that they do not want TikTok to operate inside of the United States of America.

Now, the US Senate has approved a bill that bans federal employees from using the Chinese-owned TikTok app on devices provided by the government. The vote is the latest action on the part of US lawmakers to crackdown on Chinese companies amid national security fears that Beijing could use them to spy on Americans. 

The No TikTok on Government Devices Act was approved after Missouri republican senator Josh Hawley authored a measure that received no objections. Hawley stated that TikTok is a major security risk to the United States and referred to it as a “Trojan Horse” for the Chinese Communist Party. Other US states have already banned TikTok on government devices, but the new act will apply to federal employees as well.

The bill is now pending approval from the US House of Representatives and is scheduled to be voted on before the end of the current congressional session. If this approval occurs, it will be presented to President Joe Biden for signature. 

In addition to banning the installation of the app on government devices, the law requires the Office of Management and Budget to create standards for executive agencies that details how to remove the app from agency information technology. More specifically, the new law requires the Office of Management and Budget to create standards for executive agencies that need TikTok and any successor application from the developer to be removed from agency information technology. The bill clarifies that such standards must include exceptions for law enforcement activities, as well as national security interests and security researchers.

The bill's Senate approval comes weeks after US security company Cerby published a report suggesting TikTok and other social media platforms' security shortcomings can lead to misinformation.  

In times of major political events such as the recent US Midterms and the Brazilian presidential election, social media platforms often find themselves in the spotlight because of their lack of efficiency in tackling misinformation. 

While the US debate about TikTok, along with other social media platforms, usually focuses on the platforms’ mechanisms and processes to fight fake news, the generally trivial nature of the content which is uploaded and the steps that user can take to secure their accounts and prevent any misinformation campaigns are seldom discussed.

Cerby:    DEXERTO:     Bloomberg:    Guardian:     Infosecurity Magazine:     Oodloop:   Inofsecyurity Magazine

You Might Also Read: 

British Parliament Shuts Down Its TikTok Account:


 

« France Fines Microsoft For Privacy Breaches
Critical Infrastructure: A Flashing Beacon For Cybercrime »

ManageEngine
CyberSecurity Jobsite
Check Point

Directory of Suppliers

Resecurity

Resecurity

Resecurity is a cybersecurity company that delivers a unified platform for endpoint protection, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence.

CYRIN

CYRIN

CYRIN® Cyber Range. Real Tools, Real Attacks, Real Scenarios. See why leading educational institutions and companies in the U.S. have begun to adopt the CYRIN® system.

NordLayer

NordLayer

NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses — from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security. 

Tines

Tines

The Tines security automation platform helps security teams automate manual tasks, making them more effective and efficient.

LockLizard

LockLizard

Locklizard provides PDF DRM software that protects PDF documents from unauthorized access and misuse. Share and sell documents securely - prevent document leakage, sharing and piracy.

Information Security Media Group (ISMG)

Information Security Media Group (ISMG)

Information Security Media Group is the world’s largest media organization devoted solely to information security and risk management.

Perspective Risk

Perspective Risk

Perspective Risk provides penetration testing, security assessments, risk management & compliance solutions, InfoSec training and consultancy services.

Cyber Fusion Center - Maryville University

Cyber Fusion Center - Maryville University

Maryville University Cyber Fusion Center is a virtual lab for working on real-world cyber security challenges.

Thinklogical

Thinklogical

Thinklogical manufactures secure, KVM, video, audio, and computer peripheral signal switching solutions for defence C4ISR applications.

Digittrade

Digittrade

Digittrade develop and produce external encrypted hard disks and secure communications apps.

Cybersecurity Professionals

Cybersecurity Professionals

Search vacancies from top cyber security jobs worldwide on CyberSecurity Professionals. View IT security jobs or upload your CV to be seen by recruiters from industry leading firms.

Proton Data Security

Proton Data Security

Proton Data Security is a certified small business specializing in the design, manufacturing and sales of data security products for permanent erasure of hard drives, tapes and optical media.

Noventiq

Noventiq

Noventiq (the brandname of Softline Holding plc) is a leading global solutions and services provider in digital transformation and cybersecurity.

Cybeta

Cybeta

Cybeta's actionable cybersecurity intelligence keeps your business safe with strategic and operational security recommendations that prevent breaches.

TAV Technologies

TAV Technologies

TAV Technologies is a provider of technology services to the aviation industry in areas including airport infrastructure systems, digital transformation and cybersecurity.

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL)

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL)

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) is the largest integrated Information Communication Technology (ICT) company of Pakistan.

Transatlantic Cyber Security Business Network

Transatlantic Cyber Security Business Network

The Transatlantic Cyber Security Business Network is a coalition of UK and US cyber security companies which facilitates collaboration to help address critical cyber security challenges.

Espria

Espria

Espria is a leading independent managed service provider with expertise in Cloud, IT, Communications and Document Solutions.

Finlaw Associates

Finlaw Associates

Finlaw Associates is a trusted cybercrime law firm providing a wide range of taxation, legal, advisory and regulatory services to the financial, commercial and industrial communities.

INT3L

INT3L

The INT3L group (formerly Defentek) is a provider of national security and intelligence solutions, systems and services.

SITE Intelligence Group

SITE Intelligence Group

For over two decades, SITE Intelligence Group has provided customers with critical actionable intelligence and analysis on terrorist and violent extremist online networks.