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TikTok Banned by EU Institutions Over Cybersecurity Concerns

Three Main EU Bodies Restrict Access to Chinese Video-Sharing Platform

European Parliament, Commission, and Council Cite Security Risks

In a coordinated move, the three main institutions of the European Union (EU) have imposed bans on TikTok, the popular Chinese video-sharing platform. The European Parliament, European Commission, and EU Council have all prohibited staff from accessing TikTok on official devices, citing concerns over cybersecurity.

The European Parliament's ban was announced on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. The decision followed a review by the institution's IT security experts, who identified potential risks posed by TikTok's data collection practices and its links to the Chinese government.

The European Commission and EU Council subsequently announced similar bans, expressing concerns about the potential for TikTok to be used for espionage or to spread disinformation. The bans affect all staff members, including those working in sensitive positions.

TikTok has criticized the bans, calling them “unfounded” and accusing the EU institutions of making decisions based on “misinformation.” The company has previously denied allegations of spying or data sharing with the Chinese government.

The EU institutions' bans are the latest in a series of measures taken against TikTok worldwide over cybersecurity concerns. The United States government is also considering a full ban on the platform, while several other countries have implemented partial restrictions.

These actions reflect growing concerns among governments and regulators about the potential security risks posed by TikTok and other Chinese tech companies. The bans are likely to further strain relations between the EU and China, which have been deteriorating in recent years.