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EU Bans TikTok from Official Devices over Cybersecurity Concerns

EU Bans TikTok – TikTok, the popular Chinese video-sharing app, has been banned by the European Parliament from staff devices over cybersecurity concerns. This move follows a similar ban by the European Commission, meaning that the app is now barred in all three of the EU’s main institutions. The ban will take effect on 20 March 2023, and the parliament has “strongly recommended” that its members and staff remove the app from their personal devices.

Cybersecurity Concerns

The decision to ban TikTok from official devices was made “in view of cybersecurity concerns, in particular regarding data protection and collection of data by third parties,” according to a statement by the European Parliament. TikTok is owned by Beijing-based Byte Dance, and the ban is based on concerns that the app could pose a risk to the privacy and data security of EU users.

TikTok Responds

TikTok has responded to the ban, stating that it is “disappointing to see that other government bodies and institutions are banning TikTok on employee devices with no deliberation or evidence.” The company believes that the ban is based on “basic misinformation about our company,” and that it is willing to meet with officials to address any concerns. TikTok has also announced plans to open two new data centers in Europe.

Similar Scrutiny in the US and Canada

TikTok is facing similar scrutiny in the US, where federal agencies have been directed to remove the app from all government-issued devices within 30 days, with few exceptions. The Canadian government has also announced a ban on TikTok from official electronic devices.

Final Thoughts

As concerns over cybersecurity continue to grow, it is becoming increasingly common for governments and institutions to ban certain apps and devices. TikTok, which has over 1 billion active users worldwide, has been the subject of much scrutiny in recent months, with concerns raised about its ownership structure and data collection practices. While TikTok has defended itself against these concerns, it remains to be seen whether the app will be able to overcome the growing mistrust of its users and regulators alike.

Written by Abhijeet A

Hi, I'm Abhijeet, the founder and editor-in-chief of TopicsTalk.com. For over 10 years, my passion has been everything with wheels. What started as a fascination with the roar of an engine has grown into a full-time mission: to provide fellow Indian enthusiasts and buyers with the most honest, in-depth, and jargon-free automotive reviews.

My Experience & Expertise:

Throughout my journey, I have personally test-driven over 200+ cars and motorcycles, covering everything from practical commuter bikes to luxury SUVs. I've had the privilege of covering major events like the Auto Expo in Delhi and have spent countless hours analyzing the nuances of the Indian automotive market.

My core area of expertise lies in the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) segment and the sub-20 lakh SUV market. I delve deep into not just the spec sheets, but the real-world performance, long-term reliability, and true value-for-money that matters to you, the Indian consumer.

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TopicsTalk.com was born from a simple idea: car and bike buyers in India deserve clarity. Our promise is to be your most trustworthy co-pilot in the purchase journey. Every review is based on rigorous testing and an unbiased commitment to the truth. We are not just a publication; we are a community of enthusiasts dedicated to making informed decisions.

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