TikTok ban ‘all politics, no fact’

A widespread social media review was commissioned by Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil last year, in-part prompted by security concerns that TikTok – which is owned by Chinese parent company Byte Dance – could be forced to hand over Australian data to Beijing under China’s national security laws.

The app has already been banned from government devices in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, the European parliament and New Zealand.

TikTok maintains there is no evidence to suggest the app constitutes a security concern.

TikTok Australia and New Zealand general manager Lee Hunter said the news of the widespread-ban – which would reportedly apply to the official government devices of politicians and public servants – had yet to be confirmed to him.

“If confirmed, we are extremely disappointed by this decisions which, in our view, is driven by politics, not fact,” Mr Hunter said in a statement.

“We are also disappointed that TikTok, and the millions of Australians who use it, were left to learn of this decision through the media, despite our repeated offers to engage with government constructively about this policy.

“There is no evidence to suggest that TikTok is in any way a security risk to Australians and should not be treated differently to other social media platforms.

“Our millions of Australian users deserve a government which makes decisions based upon facts, and which treats all businesses fairly – regardless of country of origin.”

A widespread ban of private use of the app – which is currently being considered in the US – would not be considered here.

It’s anticipated the Albanese government will confirm the news of the ban later this week.