Canada bans TikTok on government devices over security risks

Ottawa: The Canadian government has banned the short-form video app TikTok. According to media reports, the government has taken this decision in view of cyber security. “Starting Tuesday, the TikTok application will be removed from government-issued mobile devices,” the Canadian government said in a statement. In future users of this app will be barred from downloading the application.

After the US, Canada has banned TikTok on government equipment over data concerns.

According to a statement from the Treasury Board of the Canada Secretariat, government-issued devices will be barred from downloading TikTok and existing installations of the app will be removed.

“After reviewing TikTok, Canada’s Chief Information Officer acknowledged that it is risky in terms of privacy and security.

“This decision is in line with our international partners,” Treasury Board Chairman Mona Fortier said in a statement.

All together with the US federal government and the European Commission have announced similar TikTok restrictions on devices managed or allowed on official networks.