Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Thursday immediately banned the use of TikTok and two popular messaging applications from all computer devices controlled by Georgia’s state government.
Brian Kemp of Georgia and Chris Sununu of New Hampshire on Thursday immediately banned the use of TikTok and popular messaging applications from all computer devices controlled by their state governments, saying the Chinese government may be able to access users' personal information.
Kemp cited comments by FBI Director Chris Wray earlier this month that China could use the app to collect data on its users that could be used for spying operations.Kemp and Sununu are among at least 14 governors to take such an action, part of a wave that also includes calls for Congress to ban the use of the programs from federal government computers.
But the ban would also apply to state colleges and universities, many of which use TikTok to court potential new students and communicate with current students and athletic fans. At least 20 public Georgia universities and four-year colleges appear to have TikTok accounts, although some have never posted. Valdosta State University, for example, appears to have eight separate accounts.
Critics say they fear the Chinese government is gaining access to critical information through the application and could be using it to spread misinformation or propaganda.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp bans TikTok usage for state employeesThis is part of a national trend of state governors seeking to limit exposure to TikTok in particular — which is owned by Chinese parent company ByteDance.
Read more »
Georgia is the latest state to ban TikTok from government-owned devices | EngadgetGeorgia has become at least the 11th state to ban TikTok from state government-owned devices.
Read more »
Georgia becomes latest to ban TikTok from state computersGeorgia Gov. Brian Kemp has banned TikTok and two popular messaging applications from all computer devices controlled by Georgia’s state government
Read more »
Gov. Kemp bans TikTok on all state-issued devicesThe Georgia Governor is the latest state head to issue a ban of the popular social app on state-issued devices and networks, with Alabama Governor Kay Ivey doing so on Monday.
Read more »
Georgia Secretary of State Raffensperger calls for end of general election runoffs | CNN PoliticsGeorgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has called on state lawmakers to eliminate general election runoffs.
Read more »