TikTok has simultaneously taken over the internet by its fun-filled way of sharing videos. It appears everywhere you look: the video-sharing application seems to be leaving its mark! From your average Joe, to A-list celebs, it seems like everyone is jumping on the bandwagon. Unfortunately, if you’re in the Navy or in the United States Army, you will not be able to take part in this growing trend.
Last month, the U.S. Navy banned TikTok; any employee who did not uninstall the application would not be able to use the Navy Intranet. As you can imagine, the news of the ban shocked its users as they would not be able to communicate via the Intranet with their loved ones, or utilize its immediate resources.
Recently, Lt. Col Robin L. Ochoa, an Army spokesperson, confirmed via a security bulletin that U.S. Army members will also be restricted from using the app. TikTok presents too many security threats and the ban applies to all government-owned phones. The bulletin stated that all service members “uninstall TikTok to circumvent any exposure of personal information.” Ongoing raised concerns about censorship issues surrounding the Hong Kong freedom protests are equally responsible.
Tom Cotton (AR-R) and Senators Chuck Schumer (NY-D) have come forth to urge the U.S. intelligence community to intervene. They’ve expressed their fears that the app “might be a vehicle to spy on U.S. citizens through location data.” With over 750 million downloads, approximately 30% in meteoric rise compared to last year, they’re taking all necessary precautions. What do you think about the ban?
