Scottish Government to ban TikTok from government devices

The Scottish Government will prohibit the installation of the social media app TikTok on corporate government devices.  

The move comes after discussions with the UK Government following its decision to ban the app last week.

Members of the Scottish Parliament and their staff had already been advised to remove the video sharing app from their devices if they are used to 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.  

The move by both governments has been prompted amid fears that the Chinese-owned social media company could be passing data to the Chinese government, something the company has strongly denied doing.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Devices managed by the Scottish Government are configured in line with best practice from the National Cyber Security Centre, which helps us to manage any risk associated with the use of third-party applications.

"Our decision to prohibit the use of TikTok follows engagement with the UK Government on the potential tracking and privacy risks from certain social media apps.

“Currently there is limited use of TikTok within government and limited need for staff to use the app on work devices. This ban will be implemented immediately. It does not extend to personal devices used by staff or the general public.”