Spy org’s Tik Tok warning to Aussies

State governments across the nation are issuing Tik Tok bans on official work devices as concerns about data safety increase worldwide.

The app’s Australian general manager Lee Hunter recently told The Project that users should feel “safe” on Tik Tok, and claimed China had no way of accessing data – despite the site’s parent company operating out of China.

However, national intelligence organisation Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) recently released advice about the app, warning the general public not to use it on a device that can access other information.

“Do not use it on a phone that can access any official information, for example, any workplace communication (email clients, MS Teams),” the ASD warned in advice shared by the Tasmanian government.

“If a phone does have Tik Tok installed, keep the phone away from any sensitive conversations; and remove metadata (such as location information) from photos and videos before uploading them to TikTok.”

The warning comes as Tasmania joins other Aussie states in issuing a Tik Tok ban in the workplace.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the Tasmania state government is working to have the ban in place as soon as practicable.

“The Tasmanian Government is prioritising the protection of its information, people and assets from any compromise and harm,” Premier Rockliff said.

“We will be guided by national intelligence and security agencies on the issue, and continue to monitor national policy settings.”

The site, which allows people to upload videos up to 3 minutes in length, grew in popularity over the course of pandemic lockdowns, providing those stuck at home with a form of entertainment.

It’s owned by Chinese company “Bytedance,” but it maintains no information is held by the Chinese government because it is an “independent” site.

Tasmania’s decision follows that of NSW, Victoria and the ACT, as well as the federal government.

South Australia has also introduced the ban, which still allows parliamentary staff to have the app on their personal devices.

Australia was the last of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance countries to ban the app, following in the footsteps of the US, Canada, New Zealand and the UK.