The UK government has banned ministers and officials from using TikTok on their work phones and devices, citing security concerns over potential Chinese government access to sensitive data. Cabinet minister Oliver Dowden described the measure as a precautionary step that takes effect immediately.
TikTok, owned by Chinese parent company ByteDance, rejected allegations of data sharing with Beijing. Theo Bertram, TikTok's vice-president for European government relations, said the decision appeared driven by geopolitics rather than facts. The Chinese embassy in London also criticised the ban as politically motivated.
Despite the ban, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's office confirmed it would continue using TikTok for public engagement, with exemptions possible in some cases. Cabinet minister Grant Shapps, an avid TikTok user, called the ban sensible but stated he would not leave the platform. Welsh and Scottish governments enacted similar restrictions, with Holyrood officials advising MSPs and staff to remove the app.
Downing Street previously posted a TikTok video of Larry the Cat predicting football results, illustrating the app's use for outreach. The Ministry of Defence also continues to use TikTok to promote armed forces activities, noting that sensitive data remains on separate systems.
