New Zealand is set to prohibit TikTok on devices that have access to the parliamentary network, citing cybersecurity issues. This decision positions New Zealand among various countries that have restricted the use of the video-sharing platform on government-associated devices.
Fears regarding the potential accessibility of location and contact data by the Chinese government through ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, have been escalating worldwide.
This week, these apprehensions were highlighted when the Biden administration urged TikTok’s Chinese owners to divest their interests, warning that the app might be banned in the United States if they fail to comply.
In New Zealand, the ban will take effect by the end of March for all devices connected to parliament’s network.
Rafael Gonzalez-Montero, Chief Executive of the Parliamentary Service, informed Reuters via email that this measure was implemented following advice from cybersecurity experts and consultations with government officials and international partners.
“Based on this information, the Service has determined that the risks are not acceptable in the current New Zealand Parliamentary environment,” he stated.
For those who need the application for their professional duties, special arrangements will be considered, he mentioned. ByteDance has yet to respond to a request for comment from Reuters.
In a related development, the UK has also banned TikTok on government phones effective immediately, while U.S. government agencies must remove the app from their official devices by the end of March.
TikTok has asserted that the recent bans stem from “fundamental misconceptions” and are influenced by broader geopolitical tensions. The company highlighted that it has invested over $1.5 billion in robust data security measures and denies allegations of espionage.
© Thomson Reuters 2023
