The City of Toronto has officially banned the popular app “TikTok” from all government-related work devices.
In a media statement released by the City of Toronto on Friday afternoon, the decision is a “precaution” after concerns rose over the app risking cybersecurity. The City’s Technology Services Division, Office of the Chief Information Security Officer and Senior Leadership were involved in consultations about whether or not to place the ban.
About 350 city-issued devices will block the app from being used and downloaded in the future.
Ottawa, London, Hamilton and Windsor have also banned the app from work-issued devices, along with the Ontario Provincial Police.
A statement made by the Treasury Board of Canada on Feb. was first to introduce the ban of TikTok on federal government-issued mobile devices. Provinces within Canada followed the federal government’s lead, with the Ontario provincial government being last to join.
“The government of Canada is committed to keeping government information secure. We regularly monitor our systems and take action to address risks,” Mona Fortier, president of the Treasury Board, said in a statement.
The statement highlights that there is “no evidence” that any information has been compromised.
TikTok is owned by a Chinese company called ByteDance, and countries are concerned about sensitive information being leaked to the Chinese government.
More to come.