The popular social media app TikTok has been banned from US Navy devices due to security concerns. A Navy bulletin sent to personnel said the video-sharing app, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, would be banned on government-issued mobile devices because it posed a "cybersecurity threat." Anyone using government-issued mobile devices that have not uninstalled TikTok will be blocked from the Navy's Marine Corps intranet, the memo says.
Threats
In a statement to Reuters, Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Uriah Orland said the order was part of an effort to "confront existing and emerging threats." The "Cyber Awareness Message," which was sent to staff on December 16, "identifies the potential risk associated with the use of the TikTok app and instructs employees on appropriate measures to protect their personal information." TikTok, which has more than a billion users worldwide, has come under increased scrutiny in recent months from US lawmakers as they try to combat potential security threats. Though popular with teens, US military cadets were ordered last month not to use TikTok due to concerns raised by Senator Chuck Schumer. A Navy spokesperson said that naval and maritime personnel using government-issued smart devices are generally authorized to use popular business applications, including common social media applications, but from time to time programs specific security threats that pose. I would not give examples of applications that are authorized or considered dangerous. TikTok has not commented on the story, but its parent company is currently facing a national security review in the United States after the billion-dollar acquisition. American social media app Musical.ly last month. via Reuters