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Security Concerns Surround TikTok

New York City has taken steps to ban the use of TikTok on government-owned devices, citing security concerns. This move adds to the list of U.S. cities and states that have imposed restrictions on the popular short video sharing app.TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance and used by over 150 million Americans, has been under scrutiny due to worries about potential Chinese government influence. Lawmakers in the U.S. have been pushing for a nationwide ban on the app.

New York City's administration, led by Mayor Eric Adams, stated that TikTok posed a security threat to the city's technical networks. As a result, all city agencies are required to remove the app within 30 days. Employees will lose access to TikTok and its website on devices and networks owned by the city. New York State had already prohibited TikTok on state-issued mobile devices.

U.S. Officials Express Concerns

TikTok responded by emphasizing its commitment to data privacy and security. The app stated that it has not shared and would not share U.S. user data with the Chinese government. The company asserted that it has taken significant measures to safeguard the privacy of its users.

High-ranking U.S. security officials, including FBI Director Christopher Wray and CIA Director William Burns, have expressed their concerns about TikTok's potential threats. Director Wray noted that the Chinese government could potentially utilize TikTok to control software on numerous devices and manipulate narratives to sow division among Americans. He highlighted that the app raises significant national security concerns.

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Previous Attempts and Current Restrictions

In 2020, former President Donald Trump attempted to prevent new downloads of TikTok, but legal challenges prevented the ban from being enforced. Many states and cities across the U.S. have taken steps to restrict TikTok usage on government devices. Montana recently passed a bill to ban the app throughout the state, with the rule set to take effect on January 1. However, legal challenges are underway to contest this ban.

The move by New York City underscores the growing concerns surrounding TikTok's potential security risks. As various cities, states, and officials voice their worries about the app's influence and data privacy, the debate over TikTok's place in the digital landscape continues to evolve.

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