The White House is giving all federal agencies 30 days to wipe TikTok from all government devices as the Chinese-owned social media app comes under increasing scrutiny in Washington over security concerns.
The Office of Management and Budget calls the guidance, issued Monday, a “critical step in addressing the risks the app presents to sensitive government data.” Some agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security and State, already have restrictions; the guidance calls for the rest of the federal government to do the same within 30 days.
“The Biden-Harris Administration has invested heavily in defending our nation’s digital infrastructure and limiting foreign adversaries’ access to Americans’ data,” said Chris DeRusha, federal chief information security officer. “This guidance is part of the Administration’s ongoing commitment to secure our digital infrastructure and protect the security and privacy of the American people.”
TikTok spokeswoman Brooke Oberwetter said yesterday: “The TikTok ban on federal devices was passed in December without any deliberation, and sadly, that approach has served as a model for other governments around the world. These bans are little more than political theater.”
