Thread by @SarahMya2000

Dutch government to ban use of TikTok on government phones

The government immediately advises government officials not to use apps from countries such as China and Russia on their work phones. In time, a complete ban will follow.#China #Russia #TikTok nu.nl/tech/6256249/n…

Minister van Huffelen says that the government goes further than discouraging 1 app. "We are opting for a structural solution that government officials can trust, with their work in a digital world. The government must be able to do its work safely, also via mobile devices."

Soon,officials will get phones on which only pre-approved apps can be installed and used. Spy-sensitive apps are banned altogether from that moment on.Exceptions are made if an app is needed for specific tasks of a government org(such as inspection&supervision or investigations).

The cabinet took a decision on the basis of an advisory report from the AIVD. The intelligence service warns of a greater espionage risk with all apps from countries with a so-called offensive cyber program.

These countries use digital means to spy on or influence other states, for example. According to the AIVD, China, Russia and Iran, among others, have such a cyber programme.

The NL joins a number of countries that are taking measures against TikTok.Staff and members of the European Parliament have not been allowed to use the app on their work equipment since Monday. In the European Commission and European Council,TikTok is also banned on work phones.