In a move underscoring the growing apprehension surrounding data security, New York City has become the latest government entity to ban the use of TikTok, the popular social media platform owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance. The ban, effective immediately, aims to counter potential security threats from China and directs government agencies to remove the app from city-owned devices within 30 days. The decision follows a security review conducted by the NYC Cyber Command, a division dedicated to mitigating cyber threats within the NYC Office of Technology and Innovation.
The decision echoes actions taken by other states and institutions across the United States. In 2020, the state of New York initiated its own ban on TikTok usage on government devices. Similarly, several other states, including New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, and Georgia, have implemented bans in response to growing concerns about TikTok’s ties to its Chinese parent company.
On a federal level, the U.S. House of Representatives took a decisive step in December by prohibiting the use of TikTok on government devices. This legislative action is part of a broader effort to pressure TikTok to disassociate itself from its Chinese ownership, a campaign that gained momentum under the Biden administration earlier this year.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testified before Congress in March, addressing concerns about potential national security risks arising from the platform’s Chinese ownership. Chew maintained that ByteDance is independent and not influenced by any foreign government. He stated firmly, “Let me state this unequivocally: ByteDance is not an agent of China or any other country,” in his opening statements.
The concerns around TikTok’s ownership have extended beyond the United States. Montana’s Governor Greg Gianforte signed a law in May banning TikTok in the state starting from 2024. However, this ban differs from others as it isn’t confined to government-issued devices; it potentially impacts regular users’ access to the platform. TikTok responded to the Montana ban by filing a lawsuit to challenge its implementation.
Tech industry groups NetChoice and Chamber of Progress have supported TikTok’s legal battle against the Montana ban, arguing that the ban disrupts the very structure and purpose of the internet by cutting off Montanans from the global network of TikTok users.
The bans against TikTok reflect widespread concerns about the potential security risks associated with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. While no concrete evidence has emerged linking TikTok to espionage activities by China, the possibility remains a topic of discussion. China’s track record of exerting influence over private entities within its jurisdiction raises valid concerns about potential vulnerabilities.
