In a significant move on Wednesday, New York City took a stand against the popular social media app TikTok on government-owned devices. This decision, rooted in security concerns, aligns with similar actions taken by various cities and states across the United States.

TikTok, a short video-sharing platform used by over 150 million Americans, is owned by the Chinese tech giant ByteDance. The app has been under increasing scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers who are worried about potential influence from the Chinese government.

The administration of New York City’s Mayor, Eric Adams, stated that TikTok raised a security threat to the city’s technical networks. Consequently, New York City agencies are mandated to uninstall the app within the next 30 days.

Employees will lose access to TikTok on city-owned devices and networks. It’s important to note that New York State had already taken a similar step by banning TikTok on state-issued mobile devices.

Responding to these concerns, TikTok clarified its stance, stating that it has not and would not share U.S. user data with the Chinese government. The company emphasized that it has taken substantial measures to safeguard the privacy and security of its users.

High-ranking U.S. security officials, including FBI Director Christopher Wray and CIA Director William Burns, have also expressed apprehensions about TikTok.

Wray raised the possibility that China’s government could exploit TikTok to manipulate software on millions of devices, potentially sowing discord among Americans. He went as far as to suggest that the app’s implications echo national security concerns.

Notably, former President Donald Trump attempted to prevent new downloads of TikTok in 2020. However, a series of legal decisions thwarted his efforts, preventing the ban from being enacted.

The trend of limiting TikTok’s presence is not unique to New York. Numerous U.S. states and cities have already placed restrictions on the app’s use on government devices.

Montana, for instance, recently passed a bill that prohibits the use of TikTok across the entire state. While the rule is scheduled to take effect on January 1, it is currently facing legal challenges.

Interestingly, a recent Reuters/Ipsos survey unveiled that almost half of American adults support a ban on TikTok. This indicates a growing concern among the general public regarding the app’s potential risks.

In summary, New York City’s decision to ban TikTok on government-owned devices is a response to mounting security concerns echoed by officials at the highest levels of the U.S. security apparatus.

Despite TikTok’s assurances of data protection, the fear of potential Chinese government influence remains.

This move by New York City is part of a broader pattern seen across various states and cities in the U.S. While TikTok’s future in government circles remains uncertain, it is evident that the app’s impact on national security and public sentiment cannot be ignored.