US Bans Government Employees From Playing TikTok In Offices

JAKARTA - United States (US) government employees will be prohibited from using the TikTok short video sharing application. This policy was taken by the government, because of concerns over the security of users' personal data.

"No TikTok on Government Devices Act" said Senator Josh Hawley who passed unanimously by the US Senate Committee, as quoted by Antara, Thursday, July 23.

TikTok's widespread popularity among American teenagers has prompted scrutiny from US regulators and lawmakers who fear their personal information might fall into the hands of Chinese government officials.

Last year, TikTok said about 60 percent of the US's 26.5 million monthly active users were aged 16 to 24. Under a Chinese law introduced in 2017, companies have an obligation to support and cooperate in the country's national intelligence.

Earlier this week, the United States House of Representatives voted to ban government employees from downloading the TikTok app on government devices.

The ban was approved by a victory of 336 votes to 71. After passing in the DPR and being approved by the Senate Committee, the ban could immediately become law in the United States.

A number of top officials in the Trump administration also said they were considering a broader ban on TikTok and other Chinese apps.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently said the American public should be careful in using the application.

TikTok spokesperson Jamie Favazza said the US TikTok team, which was growing, had a priority to deliver a secure app experience that protects user privacy.

"Millions of American families use TikTok for entertainment and creative expression, which are known not to be used on government equipment," said Favazza.