In a recent move, the New Zealand government has banned the popular social media app, TikTok, from all government devices. This decision has been made due to concerns about the security and privacy of users’ data, as well as the app’s links to the Chinese government.
TikTok has been a topic of controversy in recent times, with several countries, including the United States, India, and Australia, expressing concerns over the app’s ownership and data privacy policies. The app’s parent company, ByteDance, is based in China, which has led to concerns about the Chinese government’s potential access to user data.
The New Zealand Government takes the hard turn
In New Zealand, the government’s decision to ban TikTok on its devices is seen as a precautionary measure to protect sensitive information from being accessed or collected by foreign entities. The ban will apply to all government devices, including those used by employees and officials, and will come into effect immediately.
The New Zealand government’s decision to ban TikTok is part of a wider effort to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity measures. The government has been working closely with other countries, including the United States and Australia, to develop a coordinated approach to address security concerns related to Chinese tech companies.
The ban on TikTok has been met with mixed reactions from New Zealanders. While some have expressed concern over the potential threat to their data privacy, others have welcomed the decision, saying that it is a necessary step to protect sensitive information.
In a statement, the New Zealand government emphasized that the ban on TikTok does not apply to the general public and that citizens are free to use the app as they wish. However, the government has advised citizens to exercise caution when using TikTok and other social media platforms and to be mindful of their data privacy and security.
How the decision of the New Zealand Government affects China?
Overall, the decision to ban TikTok on government devices in New Zealand reflects a growing concern around the world about the potential risks associated with Chinese tech companies. While TikTok has become a hugely popular app among young people, its links to the Chinese government have raised questions about the safety and security of users’ data.
As governments around the world continue to grapple with these concerns, it remains to be seen how TikTok will respond to the increasing scrutiny over its data privacy policies.