Australia Has Banned the Use of TikTok on Government Devices, Citing Security Concerns

Australia Joins Other Western Countries in Banning TikTok on Government Devices

Key Highlights

• Australia has banned the use of TikTok on government devices, citing security concerns.
• The ban puts Australia in line with its allies in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance and follows similar moves by Norway, the European Parliament, and NATO.
• TikTok’s general manager in Australia and New Zealand expressed disappointment and denied any security risks posed by the app.

Following concerns that TikTok poses a security risk, Australia has joined its allies in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, including the US, Britain, and Canada, in banning the use of the Chinese-owned video app on government devices.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus announced the ban, stating that the directive would be implemented as soon as possible. TikTok in Australia and New Zealand expressed disappointment over the decision, with general manager Lee Hunter arguing that there is no evidence to suggest the app poses a security risk to the country.

The Attorney General’s Department has expressed concerns over the app’s extensive collection of user data and exposure to extrajudicial directions from foreign governments.

While there is no evidence that the Chinese government has accessed TikTok user data, the Biden administration has threatened to enact a broader ban unless the app’s Chinese owners agree to spin off their share of the social media platform.