The European Commission (EC) has taken strict measures against the popular video-sharing app, TikTok, after reports of the app sending user data to China raised concerns. According to an internal memo obtained by Reuters, the EC has ordered all staff to delete the app from all work devices.
The order is reportedly part of the EU’s effort to shore up its digital security amid rising concerns of the Chinese company Tencent Holdings and ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, collecting user data that could be used against European citizens. According to the EC, the data could be used to threaten the EU’s values and freedoms.
The decision to ban the app comes just weeks after the US government dealt a blow to the company by banning download of the app on devices belonging to US military personnel. Following this, the Indian government also issued an order to completely ban the app.
TikTok was earlier accused of collecting data such as users’ emails, phone numbers, and location data without proper consent. The app has made adjustments to minimize data collection, but it is unclear if the EU is satisfied with the measures taken.
The EU’s decision to ban TikTok is a warning sign, indicating that the bloc is taking cybersecurity seriously. While the app was very popular in the EU and a great way to connect with friends, it is now clear that the user data collected by tech giants such as ByteDance, could threaten the security and privacy of European citizens if not properly managed.
The ban will lead to a significant drop in downloads and could have a financial impact on the Chinese company, as well as its parent company Tencent. However, the EU’s decision to protect its digital privacy and data is commendable and hopefully other countries will follow suit.
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