The Australian federal government has banned the use of TikTok on government-issued devices due to concerns over the app’s security and potential use for foreign interference by China. This move puts Australia in line with its allies in the “five eyes” intelligence alliance, following similar decisions made by the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus announced that the ban would take effect “as soon as practicable,” with exceptions granted on a case-by-case basis. The Victorian and ACT governments have confirmed that they will work with the Commonwealth to implement similar restrictions. TikTok, however, has denied its app poses a national security risk and expressed disappointment over the decision.
Concerns Over Chinese Government Access to User Data
Shadow Cybersecurity Minister James Paterson has warned that Australian user data on the app could be accessed by Chinese officials, given that the company is subject to China’s national intelligence laws. This concern is not unfounded, as reports have shown that TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, has repeatedly accessed user data from its US and Australian operations, despite assurances to the contrary.
TikTok has denied ever receiving a request for user data from the Chinese government and pledged to refuse such requests. However, given China’s all-encompassing national security laws, including its 2017 National Intelligence Law, which requires citizens and companies to cooperate with Chinese intelligence agencies when asked, concerns about data security on the app persist.
These concerns have been exacerbated by reports of TikTok’s permissive approach to authoritarian state-backed disinformation campaigns and its censorship of content critical of the Chinese government’s human rights record. In light of these developments, it is imperative that regulatory responses be investigated to protect Australians’ privacy and cybersecurity.
TikTok’s Assurances Repeatedly Disproven
As shadow Cybersecurity Minister James Paterson has called for action from the Australian government, there is currently no evidence that the Albanese government has taken steps to address these concerns. In contrast, the US Federal Communications Commission is examining the possibility of removing TikTok from the Apple and Google stores for failing to adhere to its terms of service.
In an age of strategic competition, where information is power, it is vital that governments take steps to safeguard their citizens’ privacy and cybersecurity. The ban on TikTok on government devices in Australia is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to protect Australians’ data from foreign interference.
Australian review reveals Beijing’s potential to use TikTok to promote disinformation
The Australia Bans TikTok on federal government devices due to national security risks. In 2020, the Australian Prime Minister initially ordered a review of the app’s usage, but was advised by the security agencies that no action needed to be taken.
However, last year’s revelations that US and Australian user data was accessible in China and that Chinese Communist Party figures were being appointed to senior positions at ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, prompted a review into the security concerns posed by the app.
As a result, the Australian government has decided to follow its Five Eyes partners, the US, UK, New Zealand, and Canada, in banning the app on government devices. A broader six-month review has also been carried out, which focuses on how to protect Australians’ private information and Beijing’s potential to use TikTok to promote disinformation in the country.
TikTok’s Future in Australia
As the Australia Bans TikTok only applies to government devices, TikTok will still be accessible to Australians who use the app on their personal devices. However, the move raises questions about the company’s future in Australia and its ability to operate without government support. With several nations already moving to block the app, TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, may be forced to divest in the app or face a nationwide ban in the United States.
Overall, the decision Australia Bans TikTok on government devices reflects growing concerns around national security risks and foreign interference. While TikTok has denied any such risks, the move raises important questions about the balance between privacy, security, and technological innovation in an increasingly interconnected world.
