Australia became the latest U.S. ally to ban TikTok on federal government devices on Tuesday over security concerns.
The restriction highlights concerns that China may exploit the Beijing-based business, controlled by ByteDance Ltd., to gather customers’ data for political purposes, harming Western security interests.
It also risks reviving diplomatic conflict between Australia and its main trade partner after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assumed office as a Labor administration in May.
“Driven by politics, not by reality,” TikTok was profoundly upset by Australia’s decision.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the prohibition would take effect “as soon as practical,” with exemptions given on a case-by-case basis and with adequate security.
The Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network—Australia, Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and New Zealand—has barred the app on government devices after Australia’s ban. In addition, France, Belgium, and the European Commission have banned it.
Last month, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew denied sharing data with the Chinese Communist Party.
TikTok’s Australia and New Zealand General Manager Lee Hunter said it shouldn’t be singled out.
Hunter said that TikTok poses no security danger to Australians and should not be handled differently from other social media sites.
After a Home Affairs assessment, Albanese consented to the restriction; the Australian reported late Monday.
Dreyfus said the federal government was reviewing a “Review into Foreign Influence via Social Media Apps” study.
The embargo comes as Australian and Chinese officials meet in Beijing to normalize commerce ahead of the World Trade Organization’s barley tariff ruling.
Trade Minister Don Farrell told Sky News that trade relations were improving but would take time.
Beijing was furious when Australia barred Huawei from supplying 5G equipment in 2018. However, once Canberra demanded an independent COVID-19 origin probe, relations deteriorated.
China imposed duties on Australian goods.
Australian M.P.s can use TikTok on personal phones, but some, including federal Government Services Minister Bill Shorten and Victoria state Governor Daniel Andrews, have deleted their accounts.
A government spokeswoman told Reuters that Victoria would prohibit the app on state-owned phones.
TikTok is also criticized for its impact on youngsters.
TikTok claims the Biden administration insisted its Chinese owners sell their holdings or risk a U.S. ban.
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