As TikTok faces increasing scrutiny over its ties to China, several countries are taking decisive action. While the US may be the first to enforce an outright ban, many other nations have already taken steps to restrict TikTok on government devices, citing national security concerns. These actions were prompted by fears that the app’s data collection practices could expose sensitive information, given its ownership by the Chinese tech giant ByteDance.

Why Is TikTok Under Scrutiny?

TikTok has consistently denied accusations that it collects more user data than other social media platforms, dismissing the bans as “basic misinformation.” The company insists it operates independently and does not share user data with the Chinese government. Despite these claims, many countries remain wary of TikTok’s connections to China, a nation with strict data privacy laws that affect foreign tech companies operating there.

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In fact, several Western companies, including Airbnb, Yahoo, and LinkedIn, have either scaled down or entirely pulled out of China in response to the country’s rigorous privacy regulations, which dictate how companies must handle user data.

As tensions continue to rise around TikTok’s presence, it’s clear that national security concerns are driving many governments to reconsider their approach to the app. Here’s a look at the countries that have taken action against TikTok, and the reasons behind their decisions.

United States

The United States has been at the center of the debate surrounding TikTok’s potential national security risks. The US Supreme Court recently upheld a law that mandates the app’s ban unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells it. The core concerns stem from data privacy issues and the fear that TikTok could be used for espionage, given its links to China.

However, the situation has become more complicated with former President Donald Trump stepping in. He is attempting to reverse the proposed ban and bring TikTok back to the US. As the country prepares for a nationwide ban, it remains to be seen whether this move will proceed under President Joe Biden or be halted by Trump’s intervention as he returns for his second term. Despite these ongoing legal challenges, the US stands on the brink of becoming the first nation to impose a full ban on the platform.

Albania

Albania’s government issued a one-year ban on TikTok in 2024, citing concerns over rising violence and bullying among young people. Prime Minister Edi Rama blamed the platform for fueling negative behavior and announced the app would be blocked nationwide starting in 2025, despite no direct security concerns regarding China.

Australia

Australia banned TikTok from all government devices in April 2023 due to concerns over the app’s data collection practices and potential foreign interference. The government argued that the app posed risks from Chinese government influence through data access and espionage.

Estonia

Estonia imposed a ban on TikTok for public officials’ smartphones in March 2023. This ban followed concerns raised by the country’s intelligence services, though it only applied to government-issued devices. Estonia also looked into TikTok’s potential role in influencing elections within the EU.

United Kingdom

The UK government took a precautionary approach by banning TikTok from official government devices in March 2023. The decision came after the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre issued a report warning about potential risks to sensitive government data on platforms like TikTok.

European Union

Major EU institutions, including the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the EU Council, banned TikTok on staff devices in 2023. These measures were taken to protect sensitive data and prevent security breaches. The European Commission also launched an investigation into TikTok for potential violations of the Digital Services Act.

France

France prohibited the use of TikTok and other “recreational” apps like Netflix and Instagram on the work phones of civil servants in March 2023. The French government cited cybersecurity risks, stating that these apps posed threats to data protection within public administration.

The Netherlands

In March 2023, the Dutch government advised against using apps from countries with aggressive cyber programs, like China, on government-issued devices. While not specifically naming TikTok, this advisory reflected concerns about espionage and data protection.

Norway

Norway followed suit by banning TikTok from work phones in March 2023, citing risks of espionage, disinformation, and potential influence from foreign actors like Russia and China. The ban applied to government employees but allowed for limited use under strict conditions.

Belgium

In March 2023, Belgium imposed a six-month ban on TikTok for government employees due to concerns about data privacy and security risks. Belgium’s cybersecurity services warned that TikTok could manipulate algorithms to spread misinformation, leading to the suspension of the app from official devices.

Denmark

Denmark banned TikTok from government devices in March 2023 due to concerns over cybersecurity and espionage. The decision followed a report from the country’s foreign intelligence service, which deemed the app a security risk.

Canada

Canada’s federal government ordered TikTok to cease operations in the country in November 2023, citing concerns over foreign interference and privacy issues. The government also banned the app from government-issued devices, warning that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government.

New Zealand

New Zealand banned TikTok on the phones of government lawmakers in March 2023. However, this restriction did not apply to all government workers, affecting about 500 people in the parliamentary complex. The government has stated that it has no current plans for a nationwide ban.

India

India became one of the first major countries to ban TikTok in 2020, along with dozens of other Chinese apps. This decision came after a border clash between India and China, and the ban was made permanent in 2021. The government cited privacy and national security concerns as the main reasons.

Taiwan

Taiwan imposed a ban on TikTok and other Chinese apps for public sector devices in December 2022, following warnings from the FBI about national security risks. The ban is part of broader efforts to limit Chinese influence in Taiwan’s digital landscape.

Pakistan

Pakistan has temporarily banned TikTok at least four times since 2020, citing concerns that the platform promotes immoral or inappropriate content. The government has often reversed these bans, but the platform remains subject to scrutiny.

Afghanistan

In 2022, Afghanistan’s Taliban government banned TikTok and the online game PUBG, claiming the platforms misled and distracted the youth. The ban reflects the Taliban’s control over digital spaces and their efforts to limit content deemed harmful to their regime.

TikTok’s global struggles continue to unfold, as governments weigh the balance between data security, foreign influence, and the platform’s cultural impact. The app’s ability to navigate these challenges will determine its future in many key markets around the world.