The federal government is considering a ban on TikTok that would bring it in line with other nations including the US, UK, and New Zealand.
Ministers are reportedly using burner phones to run the app, which has sparked fears that data could be accessed by Chinese officials.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neill is expected to announce a ban of the app’s use on government devices.
Beijing has historically reacted poorly when a western government has reacted to security concerns around the app, claiming bans are an overreaction.
The moves were prompted by growing concerns that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, would give user data such as browsing history and location to the Chinese government, or push propaganda and misinformation on its behalf.
The company has insisted such concerns are based on “misinformation” and said it was taking steps to boost protection of user data from the UK and Europe.
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“We believe these bans have been based on fundamental misconceptions and driven by wider geopolitics, in which TikTok and our millions of users in the U.K, play no part,” the company said.
Government ministers are using burner phones to run the Chinese-owned app TikTok which is expected to be banned on government devices.
Home affairs minister Clare O’Neil has been handed a social media review which is expect today recommend the ban that would bring us in line with the US, UK and New Zealand.
The concern is the potential for Chinese government officials to access the app.
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