FOLLOW US

TikTok continues to be one of the most popular social media sites, especially for younger folks. Some people use TikTok to make funny videos, speak out about social issues, and even promote their businesses.

However, TikTok has some issues that other social media sites remain far removed from. For example, security concerns have been raised about TikTok's ownership under a Chinese company, ByteDance.

The terms of service agreement that TikTok users must consent to before signing onto the app have also been described as problematic. They are lackadaisical concerning privacy, to say the least. This means TikTok users are giving the app permission to track their data, keystrokes, and other information found on their phones.

It is for this reason that various state governments across the US are taking action to ban TikTok from devices used by government officials. Now, the European Union is bringing similar measures against TikTok as well.

EU moves against TikTok

Like American officials, EU administrators are having their staffers do away with TikTok on devices used for government business. According to the European Commission, this is a necessary step forward to protect against cybersecurity threats and other opportunities for bad actors to strike.

In a nutshell, the EU doesn't want to open any doors for China to officially compromise its operations as a governing body. This new move against TikTok also comes as China is in the hot seat for various spy balloons floating over multiple airfields.

With both the United States and the European Union moving against TikTok, other governing bodies could do the same. Here in America, GOP lawmakers at the federal level have proposed bills that would ban TikTok nationwide.

So far, neither TikTok, nor its parent company ByteDance, has publicly responded to the EU's decision. Though in answer to America's action against the app, representatives have assured there's nothing to worry about.

Clearly, many world leaders and government officials believe otherwise.

Other alternatives

There are many alternatives to the social media site under ByteDance ownership. Twitter, Instagram, and other similar platforms remain available for use without the security risks and privacy risks posed by TikTok.

Now, time will tell if other countries decide to crack down against the use of TikTok on devices for official government business.