Oregon is set to ban the popular video service TikTok, alongside other Chinese and Russian apps, on state-owned government devices, including phones and computers.
The bill is now awaiting the signature of Oregon Governor Tina Kotek for it to turn into law.
Oregon to Ban TikTok and Other Chinese Apps on State-Owned Devices
This photo illustration shows the TikTok logo reflected in an image of the US flag, in Washington, DC, on March 16, 2023. - China urged the United States to stop "unreasonably suppressing" TikTok on March 16, 2023, after Washington gave the popular video-sharing app an ultimatum to part ways with its Chinese owners or face a nationwide ban.
As per Oregon Live, Oregon is passing a bill that bans TikTok and other Chinese applications for state government devices. This significant decision aims to fortify digital defenses and underscores the rising concerns surrounding Chinese app influence on crucial data security.
The Oregon Senate has unanimously passed House Bill 3127, which bans the use of the viral video service TikTok on state-owned government devices. But besides the video-sharing platform, the bill also bans other China-based apps, such as the messaging app WeChat and payment service Alipay.
On top of that, the ban also includes the Russia-based antivirus service Kaspersky Lab.
According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, Democratic Senator Aaron Woods, the bill's chief sponsor, says the ban seeks to mitigate potential risks associated with the data collection practices and potential threats posed by these apps.
In a press release, he explains that banning apps like TikTok and WeChat "is a necessary step to protect the privacy of users and safeguard national security." Woods further adds that he prioritizes "the safety and security of individuals, especially when it comes to their online presence."
Oregon Live says that once House Bill 3127 passes into law, the state is joining roughly 30 states who have similarly banned TikTok on their state-owned government devices.
Read Also: China Accessed Hong Kong Activists' TikTok Data, Ex-ByteDance Exec Claims
Why Are States Banning TikTok?
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 07: In this photo illustration, the WeChat app is displayed in the App Store on an Apple iPhone on August 7, 2020 in Washington, DC.
As The New York Times reports, various countries, such as France, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, have banned TikTok on their government devices, citing recommendations from national intelligence and security agencies.
India banned the Chinese video service as early as mid-2020 due to concerns that users' data are being transmitted outside of the country.
It is worth noting that Montana has banned TikTok statewide. In other words, the law prohibits the use of the video app even on personal devices. The tech giant ByteDance and other TikTok creators have already brought the state to court to reserve the ban, which should take effect next year.
Lawmakers, as well as various regulators, in these Western countries, are expressing their concerns on how TikTok and its parent firm ByDance handle the information of their users. Some accuse the China-based platform of handing its users' sensitive data to the Chinese government.
But despite that, TikTok has consistently denied such accusations, reiterating that they protect its users' data.
Related Article: TikTok Stores US User Data in China Servers, New Investigation Claims-Financial Infos Included!
