Australia: In line with other Western nations, the Australian government has prohibited the utilization of the Chinese social media platform TikTok on its official devices.
Mr. Mark Dreyfus, the Attorney General, has approved the secretary of his department to issue a compulsory directive to forbid the use of TikTok on devices given out by Commonwealth departments and agencies.
The government’s protective security direction accompanying the prohibition reveals that TikTok has been identified as a significant security and privacy threat to non-corporate Commonwealth entities. This is due to the app’s extensive collection of user data and susceptibility to extrajudicial commands from a foreign government that may contradict Australian law.
In the previous month, the Department of Home Affairs presented the government with a review of the security threats posed by various social media platforms and appropriate government configurations. Although more than 50 percent of federal government agencies presently prohibit TikTok usage on their devices, the comprehensive policy will guarantee uniformity throughout the entire government.
On 3rd April 2023, the states and territories were informed of the proposed prohibition. A spokesperson for the Victorian government stated their intention to comply with the updated limitations on TikTok’s use, while a representative from the New South Wales government stated that Cyber Security NSW would engage in further discussions with the federal government regarding the new stance.
As per the Australia and New Zealand general manager of TikTok, Mr. Lee Hunter, the company was not given advance notice of the proposed prohibition before it was leaked to the media. In a statement, Hunter expressed the company’s “extreme disappointment” with the verdict, which they believe was “motivated by politics rather than factual evidence.”
Despite the prohibition on government devices, some MPs such as Ms. Tanya Plibersek, the Environment Minister, and Mr. Julian Hill, a Labor MP, continue to utilize TikTok on their devices. Senator Paterson stated that he does not use the app, and Government Services Minister Mr. Bill Shorten and Victorian Premier Mr. Daniel Andrews announced their decision to discontinue using TikTok.
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