TikTok banned in UK parliament, blocked from network

Updated : Mar 26, 2023 09:03
|
AFP

Britain's parliament Thursday joined the government in banning TikTok, depriving lawmakers of access to the Chinese-owned video app via its internet network.

The announcement came as TikTok's chief executive Shou Zi Chew appeared before a hostile US Congress over its alleged ties to the communist government in Beijing.

The app "will be blocked from all parliamentary devices and the wider parliamentary network", the House of Commons and House of Lords said, adding: "Cyber security is a top priority for parliament."

Individual lawmakers who are dedicated users of TikTok, such as Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps, will still be able to use the app on their own phones, but not when connected via parliament's own WiFi network.

The UK announced last week a security ban of TikTok on government devices, in line with action by the European Union and the United States.

Shapps, who has more than 14,000 followers on TikTok, said he would comply with the ban on his government phone, but still use the app on his own devices.

The devolved government of Scotland announced Thursday that it would also ban the app on its official devices.

TikTok's owner ByteDance and the Chinese government have dismissed the security fears over the app and denounced the Western bans as politically motivated.

Also Watch: North Korea says it tested new underwater nuclear attack drone

TikTokUK Parliament

Recommended For You

editorji | World

Trump orders US military to 'shoot and kill' Iranian small boats choking Strait of Hormuz

editorji | World

India is a great country: Trump after controversial social media repost

editorji | World

Trump says Iran violated truce as doubt surrounds peace talks

editorji | World

Iran says 'no decision' yet on joining new round of US peace talks

editorji | World

US to blockade Iran ports 'as long as it takes': Pentagon chief