New Zealand has banned the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok on phones of MPs amid rising security concerns. The app, which has a large user base in the country, has become a popular way to share short videos, but the government has raised concerns about the security of the app and the safety of users’ data. The ban was imposed last week and applies to all MPs, staff and contractors who are provided with government-issued phones.
A government spokesperson said that the ban was in response to the uncertain level of privacy and security surrounding the app. The spokesperson also said that the government was committed to protecting the privacy of citizens, and that the ban was part of their efforts to ensure the safety of the public.
TikTok has become increasingly popular in New Zealand, with the app reaching over 2.5 million users in the country. The Chinese-owned app has been the subject of heightened security scrutiny due to its links to the Chinese government and its ties to the Chinese Communist Party. The US government has also imposed a ban on the app, citing similar security concerns.