Parliament has announced that TikTok will be blocked on its devices and networks over security concerns.
The Chinese-owned social media app has already been banned on Government devices and now the commissions of the House of Commons and House of Lords will follow suit.
A Parliament spokesman said: “Following the Government’s decision to ban TikTok from Government devices, the commissions of both the House of Commons and Lords have decided that TikTok will be blocked from all parliamentary devices and the wider parliamentary network.
“Cyber security is a top priority for Parliament, however we do not comment on specific details of our cyber or physical security controls, policies or incidents.”
Additionally, the Scottish Government has also banned the app from its mobile phones and other corporate devices following discussions with the UK Government.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Devices managed by the Scottish Government are configured in line with best practice from the National Cyber Security Centre, which helps us to manage any risk associated with the use of third-party applications.
“Our decision to prohibit the use of TikTok follows engagement with the UK Government on the potential tracking and privacy risks from certain social media apps.
“Currently there is limited use of TikTok within government and limited need for staff to use the app on work devices. This ban will be implemented immediately. It does not extend to personal devices used by staff or the general public.”
Why are there security fears around TikTok?
Cabinet Office ministers had ordered a security review to look at the potential vulnerability of government data through using the app.
On the Government website, it said: "Given the potentially sensitive nature of information which is stored on government devices, government policy on the management of third party applications will be strengthened and a precautionary ban on TikTok on government devices is being introduced."
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Oliver Dowden said: "The security of sensitive government information must come first, so today we are banning this app on government devices. The use of other data-extracting apps will be kept under review.
"Restricting the use of TikTok on Government devices is a prudent and proportionate step following advice from our cyber security experts."
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