MSPs 'strongly advised' to remove TikTok from their phones

Members of the Scottish Parliament and their staff have been advised to remove the video app TikTok from devices which access the parliament's IT systems. 

The parliament said that following discussions with the National Cyber Security Centre, it was “strongly advising” that all MSPs, their staff, and parliament staff remove the app from any device which accesses Holyrood's systems, including personal devices. 

In a letter sent to MSPs, the parliament said: “You may be aware of yesterday’s statement in the House of Commons regarding the security review of the TikTok application, carried out on behalf of the UK Government Cabinet Office. 

“As a result of the review, the UK Government has now strengthened its position on the use of TikTok and are making moves to ban the application on government devices.”

It said the advice was being issued on a “precautionary” basis.

“We consider this advice to be proportionate and necessary given the situation as we currently understand it.  We will continue to liaise with cyber security partners including the National Cyber Security Centre and this advice will be kept under review.”

Earlier this week, British government ministers were banned from using TikTok on their official phones amid fears the Chinese-owned social media company could be passing data to the Chinese government, something the company has strongly denied doing.