South Dakota Bans TikTok Over National Security Concerns

Strategic Insights -

South Dakota Republican Governor Kristi Noem has banned state agencies from using the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok, citing concerns over the app's data gathering operations and its potential use by the Chinese Communist Party to manipulate the American people and gather intelligence on US citizens.

Governor Noem's ban affects all state government employees and contractors who use state-owned mobile devices, and prohibits users from downloading the app or visiting the website via browser. The move comes as lawmakers in Washington prepare to vote on the American Data Privacy and Protection Act, which aims to increase transparency around private data storage and access by entities other than the app.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Kristi Noem has banned state agencies from using TikTok due to concerns over data gathering operations and national security threats.
  • The ban affects all state government employees and contractors who use state-owned mobile devices.
  • The executive order prohibits users from downloading TikTok or visiting the website via browser.
  • TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a private, Beijing-based tech giant.
  • Senators Marco Rubio and Mike Gallagher have expressed concerns over TikTok's potential threat to US national security.
  • Lawmakers in Washington will vote on the American Data Privacy and Protection Act, which forces software developers to disclose private data storage and access.
  • The ADPPA was advanced to a full House hearing with a 53-2 vote.

Statistics:

  • 53-2: The number of votes by which the House Committee on Energy and Commerce advanced the American Data Privacy and Protection Act to a full House hearing.
  • 0: The number of state government employees or contractors who will be allowed to use TikTok under Governor Noem's ban.
  • 1: The number of US Senators who have expressed concerns over TikTok's potential threat to US national security, according to a Washington Post opinion piece by Senators Marco Rubio and Mike Gallagher.

Sources:

  • A statement released by Governor Kristi Noem's office, citing the growing national security threat posed by TikTok due to its data gather operations on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party.
  • A Washington Post opinion piece by Senators Marco Rubio and Mike Gallagher, citing concerns over TikTok's potential threat to US national security.
  • A CNBC report on a statement by TikTok, denying location tracking software claims made in a Forbes report.
  • A CNBC report on a Forbes spokesperson's response to concerns over sourcing and journalistic integrity.