09TH March 2023

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Tik Tok banned in Canada, eh?

Recently, the Canadian government made the decision to ban the popular social media app TikTok from all government-owned phones. As of 2021, there were approximately 290,000 employees working in the federal government of Canada, including departments, agencies, and Crown corporations which is less than 1% of the total population. While the reasons for this ban may not be entirely clear, It did get me thinking…

The first reason is related to concerns around data privacy and security. As a Chinese-owned company, TikTok has faced criticism from some quarters for its handling of user data. In particular, there have been concerns that the Chinese government could use the app to gather information on Canadian citizens and government officials.

No brainer. They do.

Secondly, there have been concerns about the spread of misinformation and propaganda on TikTok. As with other social media platforms, TikTok has been used by individuals and groups to spread false information and propaganda, often with the goal of influencing political or social outcomes. Given the potential impact of such content on government operations and decision-making, it is not surprising that the Canadian government would want to limit its use on government-owned devices. It seems the thesis there would be, America will embrace any app that gives them an edge in the ” race to the bottom”.

Really, a great investment when compared to Putin’s Facebook little gambit.

Finally, there may be concerns about the impact of TikTok on productivity and employee morale. While TikTok can be a fun and engaging app for individuals, it can also be a significant distraction in the workplace. This is particularly true for government employees, who may be required to focus on their work and avoid potential distractions.

Gosh, who wrote that? I was checking my feed on wiffleball pitches.

Looking ahead, it is possible that the United States could follow Canada’s lead and ban TikTok from government-owned devices. This would not be unprecedented, as the U.S. government has already taken steps to limit the use of Chinese technology in other areas. For example, the Department of Defense has banned the use of Chinese-made drones due to concerns about data security. However, any attempt to ban TikTok in the U.S. would likely face significant challenges.

Additionally, there are legal challenges to consider. In August 2020, President Trump issued an executive order that would have effectively banned TikTok in the U.S. However, this order was ultimately blocked by the courts, with judges citing concerns about due process and First Amendment rights.

I’m assuming the ByteDance lobbyists in DC were all over that one.