staff in main the governing institutions of the European Union on On Thursday, he was banned from installing the short-form video-sharing app, TikTok on hardware used for work amid fears over protection data in a move That sparked an angry response from the company.
TikTok, and who parent Chinese company ByteDance has it faced Increased Western scrutiny in recent months over concerns about him how a lot access Beijing has user data.
The ban affects staff of the European Commission and the European Council, which represents member states, but the European Parliament has yet to make a similar decision decision.
the new rules I mean, employees can’t use Video sharing application on work Personal devices and appliances, such as phones that have official Email and communication in the European Union apps installed.
The commission said its staff should remove the app in the name of soon like possible And should Compliance by March 15th.
EU spokeswoman Sonia Gospodinova said the management of the company board of The Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, was made the decision for Security reasons.
“The measure aims to protect the commission,” he added against Cybersecurity threats and exploitable actions for Cafe attack against company environment of The Commission “.
European Council spokesman Barend Letts told AFP that “the app will be uninstalled. on corporate devices and asking employees to uninstall them from personal mobile devices that it has access Corporate Services.
speaking for TikTok said, “We believe this comment is misleading and malicious on Fundamental misconceptions.
‘Disappointed’
EU Industry Commissioner Thierry Breton pointed to cybersecurity risks and said he had relayed the Commission’s report decision.
As an institution, the European Commission has made it right from the start of Delegation, very strong focus on Cyber security, protect colleagues And the, of Of course everyone who works here in Britton told reporters.
In November, TikTok admitted some employees in China can access data of European users.
The company, however, denies that the Chinese government He has no control over access.
Tik Tok on Thursday confirmed that it protects data of 125 million monthly users in The European Union was taking steps To enhance data security.
She later said she had requested a meeting with The Commission ” set the record straight.”
“We continue to strengthen our approach to data security, including by establishing three data centers in europe to store user data locally; further reduction employee access to data and reduce data flow outside of Europe “.
United State last year The app is banned by the federation government devices, and some US lawmakers are trying to ban the use of TikTok operating in United States completely.
Last month, the Dutch government He advised public officials to direct clear of application over Similar concerns.
European Parliament on Al-Khamis said she was “monitoring and evaluating everything.” possible Application-related data breaches’ assessment will be considered by the committee before making recommendations.
hard line on tech
The CEO of TikTok was Shou Zi Chew in Brussels last Month for talks with European Union officials have warned the Chinese-owned platform to ensure the safety of European user data.
And the company promised more reduce employee access for data.
Tik Tok also a promise last year To retain user data in the United States in The United States to allay Washington’s concerns.
The European Union has taken a hard line on technology corporations, to pass two major laws sure social media The platforms adhere to the agglomeration rules on digital problems.
The Digital Services Act (DSA) mandates social media platforms online Markets and search engines to respond more quickly to remove content It is considered in busts of EU regulations.
The other, the Digital Markets Act (DMA), prohibits anti-competitive behavior by so-called “gatekeepers”. of Internet.
