The controversy over TikTok’s safety and security continues to surge, with partial or total bans from numerous countries. On Wednesday, the list of countries that have banned TikTok was widened by adding Canada, as the Canadian government ordered the dissolution of TikTok Technology Canada Inc. citing national security concerns.
Though the government of Canada has not banned citizens from accessing this application or content, the move reflects growing reservations about its ownership through ByteDance from a Chinese firm.
The move comes after similar steps taken by Canada earlier as it banned TikTok from government devices, citing risks that impact privacy and security, a move which Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said was based on evidence gathered by the country’s security and intelligence agencies. ByteDance has, however, threatened to challenge the decision, terming it a move that threatens jobs and investments in Canada.
Canada joins list of the countries banning TikTok, especially in light of concerns over privacy and cybersecurity issues associated with its Chinese government affiliation. Let us take a look at the list of nations pursuing similar actions.
13 Countries That Have Banned TikTok
1. United States
In the U.S., TikTok may face a national ban unless ByteDance divests from the app. President Joe Biden signed legislation recently that gives the company until January 2025 to comply. This move follows a series of earlier restrictions, including a ban on federal devices and mounting pressure at the state level.
2. India
India fully banned TikTok in 2020, arguing threats to sovereignty and national security. This was after a border clash with China, and the ban was an amendment to more than 50 Chinese applications on a prohibition order.
3. Afghanistan
Afghanistan banned TikTok back in 2022, labelling the app’s content as not aligned with Islamic values and, thus, more likely to be promoting immorality.
4. Australia
Australia banned TikTok from government devices in April 2023 amid the Department of Home Affairs raising security concerns.
5. United Kingdom
In March 2023, the United Kingdom banned TikTok from government devices. The move came as a result of recommendations from the National Cyber Security Centre, an action in tandem with others.
6. European Commission & NATO
The European Commission as well as NATO have forbidden the use of TikTok on work devices due to data security concerns.
7. Belgium
The application was also banned in Belgium from government work phones in March 2023. Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said sensitive information needed protection.
8. Denmark
Denmark’s Defense Ministry prohibited the use of TikTok on work devices after getting advice from its Center for Cyber Security.
9. New Zealand
New Zealand banned TikTok from parliamentary devices, citing unacceptable security risks in March 2023.
10. Nepal
In November 2023, Nepal banned the app, saying that it was disseminating content that was spreading social disorder.
11. Norway
Norway banned the app on governmental devices in March 2023 but still allowed civil servants to use the service professionally on their personal mobile phones.
12, Somalia
In August of 2023, Somalia banned TikTok as it had some issues over terror-related content on the application.
13. Taiwan
Taiwan banned using TikTok on government devices way back in December 2022 as part of a broader ban on Chinese software.
The number of countries banning TikTok mirrors the increasing global unease regarding risks that may be posed to privacy and national sovereignty security by the video app. Future use of the app remains uncertain in many regions since governments are still looking to scrutinize its ties with China.
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