The European Commission Prohibited use on Thursday TikTok on official devices used by its staff, at a time when the EU is trying to strengthen its Cyber ​​protection and after a similar measure passed by the Congress of the United States.

TikTokwhich is the parent company China, BytdencyIn recent months, A increasing scrutiny Western fear of Chinese regime accessing user data.

The new ban also means that employees European Commission You cannot use the application Share videos With official EU communication apps installed on your personal devices, including phones.

Employees must remove the app as soon as possible and must do so by March 15.

After the news was published, the EU Commissioner for Industry, Thierry Bretonnoted the risks Cyber ​​protection Which, according to them, was the motivation behind the decision.

“As an institution, the European Commission has from the beginning of its mandate focused on cyber security, protecting our colleagues and, of course, everyone who works here at the Commission,” Breton told reporters.

Sonia GospodinovaThe spokesperson of the European Union stated that the decision was taken by the Governing Council of the European Commission, which is the executive body of the European Union. security reasons.

“The purpose of the event is to protect the commission threats and actions Cyber ​​protection which can be used to carry out cyber-attacks against the Commission’s corporate environment,” he explained.

There was no immediate comment on whether other EU institutions, such as The Council of Europewhich represents member states, or European Parliament will take similar measures.

after the announcement TikTok He said he would consider the decision “wrong”

“We are disappointed by this decision, which we believe is wrong and based on a fundamental misunderstanding,” said a representative of the Chinese-owned firm.

In November, TikTok admitted that some staff in China may Access to data of European users.

However, the company denies that the Chinese government has any control or access.

Heavy handed with technology

TikTok CEO, Shou Zi ChewHe was in Brussels last month for talks with EU officials, during which they warned TikTok to ensure the security of European users’ data.

The company said it is establishing centers in Europe Store user data locally And vowed to further reduce employee access to data.

TikTok also promised last year to keep American user data in the United States to ease Washington’s concerns.

The European Union has received a A hard line with tech companiesPassing two important laws to ensure social media platforms adhere to the bloc’s rules on digital issues.

The Digital Services Act (DSA) forces social media platforms, online marketplaces and search engines to react more quickly to remove content that contravenes EU regulations.

second, Digital Markets Law (DMA), prohibits the anti-competitive behavior of the so-called “protectors” of the Internet.

A similar event in the US

The European Commission is thus following in the footsteps USAwhere is he Congress Their lawmakers and staff were banned from installing the app on their official phones.

President Joe Biden It also approved the ban in December TikTok on devices owned by government agencies, a measure that has also been adopted by several states, including Texas, Alabama or TennesseeLike other institutions like University of Florida.

Some US lawmakers are trying too Ban TikTok from operating in the United States.

Controversy in the US over the use of the Chinese app has worsened since the latest revelations BytdencyThe company that owns TikTok used the social network to track journalists.

Last month, the Dutch government advised civil servants to stay away from the app for similar reasons.

(according to AFP and EFE)

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