The European Commission and Council have taken decisive action against TikTok, the popular Chinese short-video sharing app, by banning it on the mobile phones of their employees.
This move comes as a result of significant concerns over cyber-security issues that have been associated with the app. Meanwhile, the European Parliament is also currently considering a similar course of action.
The Brussels institutions have made it clear that they will not compromise on the safety of their employees, and are taking proactive measures to protect against any potential threats that may arise from the use of TikTok.
The app has been under scrutiny for some time due to its ties to the Chinese government, and the potential for data breaches and security breaches that could compromise personal information.
As a result of this decision, employees of the European Commission and Council will be unable to access TikTok on their mobile devices.
The European Parliament is also considering a similar ban, highlighting the serious nature of the concerns surrounding the app’s security.
In summary, the European Union institutions have taken a firm stance against TikTok, citing significant concerns over cyber-security.
The decision to ban the app on the mobile phones of their employees demonstrates their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of their personnel and highlights the need for continued vigilance in the face of potential cyber-security threats.
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The European Union’s priority is to ensure that cyber security is protected, which is why the decision to ban TikTok was made, according to EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton.
The move has been met with opposition from TikTok, who believes the decision is unfounded and based on prejudiced assumptions.
TikTok’s head of institutional relations for Southern Europe, Giacomo Lev Mannheimer, has stated that the Chinese government has never requested access to the data, and even if they did, TikTok would not grant them permission.
However, the EU is taking a cautious approach due to the potential risks associated with the app and its ties to the Chinese government.
The decision to ban TikTok on the mobile phones of EU employees is a proactive step towards safeguarding cyber security, and the EU is committed to ensuring that its personnel is protected against any potential threats.
While TikTok may disagree with the decision, the EU believes that this is a necessary measure to ensure the safety of its employees and data.
Commission staff and private individuals with access to the mobile phone service will need to uninstall TikTok by March 15th.
The decision was made after a thorough assessment of the potential risks associated with the app, and while the executive did not disclose any specific IT incidents related to TikTok, they did share their findings with other institutions.
While other platforms are also constantly monitored by IT services, the EU has ruled out similar measures for now. The suspension of TikTok is temporary and will be subject to re-evaluation, indicating that the EU is open to reconsidering its position in the future.
The decision to ban TikTok on EU Commission and Council mobile phones came from the corporate management board and secretariat, respectively.
The European Parliament is also considering a similar move and will take the Commission’s assessment into account before making recommendations to Eurochamber authorities.
The EU’s decision aligns with measures taken in the US, where a Senate law banned the app on state and federal employee cellphones.
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However, the Commission clarified that there was no pressure from Washington. TikTok has also been banned in India for two years and has faced scrutiny over potential spying on journalists.
To address concerns, TikTok’s CEO Shou Zi Chew held meetings with several European commissioners in January to discuss compliance with EU legislation.
The company has emphasized its efforts to protect user data, including the creation of three data centers in Europe to store data locally and minimize data flow outside of Europe. Despite this, the EU remains cautious and concerned about potential intrusions from Beijing.
TikTok’s head of institutional relations for Southern Europe, Giacomo Lev Mannheimer, has stated that the company is a global platform and not present in China, with data and management also located outside of China. The company has investors from various countries, not just China.
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