The Chinese video app TikTok has been blocked from all devices under the control of the US House of Representatives, the House’s administration branch announced on Tuesday. The action is comparable to another rule that is set to be implemented in the nation and will prevent the software from being used on any devices used by the US government. The app is deemed “high risk due to a variety of security vulnerabilities,” according to a memo addressed to all legislators and staff by the House’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Further, he requested that they remove it from all House-controlled devices.
Similar to certain other nations, like India, US legislators have suggested outright banning of TikTok
ByteDance-owned apps are already prohibited in a number of jurisdictions due to security concerns and worries that China would be able to monitor Americans and access personal data. 19 states had at least partially restricted the app as of last week. Just last week, the $1.66 trillion funding package agreed to fund the US government through September 30, 2023, included a provision prohibiting federal employees from using the well-known video app on government-owned devices. The White House Office of Management and Budget has 60 days “to draught standards and procedures for executive agencies ordering the removal” of TikTok from federal devices in accordance with the bill’s requirements. It will take effect once President Joe Biden signs the legislation into law.
“With the passage of the Omnibus that banned TikTok on executive branch devices, the CAO worked with the Committee on House Administration to implement a similar policy for the House,” a spokesperson for the Chief Administrative Officer told Reuters on Tuesday. The employees was informed that future downloads of TikTok were forbidden and that anyone found to have the app installed on their smartphone would be contacted to have it removed. TikTok has not yet responded to the situation. Similar to certain other nations, like India, US legislators have suggested outright banning the app.