The Scottish government has placed an immediate ban on the use of social media app TikTok from its mobile phones and corporate devices over Chinese spying fears.
The move, announced on Thursday afternoon, came moments after the UK government said it was expanding its own device and phone ban of the Chinese video-sharing platform to include the whole parliamentary network.
Announcing the news, Scottish Deputy First Minister John Swinney said the decision came following discussions with the UK government.
“Devices managed by the Scottish government are configured in line with best practice from the National Cyber Security Centre, which helps us to manage any risk associated with the use of third-party applications,” Swinney said on Thursday.
“Our decision to prohibit the use of TikTok follows engagement with the UK government on the potential tracking and privacy risks from certain social media apps.
Read more: Scotland Bans TikTok on Government Mobile Phones and Devices Over Spy Fears
