BBC urges staff to ditch TikTok over data fears

BBC urges staff to ditch TikTok over data fears

The BBC sent staff a message saying: 'We don't recommend installing TikTok on a BBC corporate device unless there is a justified business reason'
The BBC sent staff a message saying: 'We don't recommend installing TikTok on a BBC corporate device unless there is a justified business reason'. Photo: Susannah Ireland / AFP
Source: AFP

PAY ATTENTION: See you at Legit.ng Media Literacy Webinar! Register for free now!

The BBC said Monday that it had told staff to delete Chinese-owned video app TikTok unless it was needed for business reasons, with Western institutions increasingly taking a harder stance over data collection fears.

The British broadcasting giant reported that it sent staff a message on Sunday saying: "We don't recommend installing TikTok on a BBC corporate device unless there is a justified business reason.

"If you do not need TikTok for business reasons, TikTok should be deleted," it added.

Western authorities have been taking an increasingly firm approach to the app, owned by the firm ByteDance, citing fears that user data could be used or abused by Chinese officials.

The UK on Thursday announced a security ban on TikTok on government devices, in line with action by the European Union and the United States.

Read also

Nigeria Decides 2023: "Collect money but vote your conscience", Buhari tells Nigerians

The BBC told AFP on Monday that it "takes the safety and security of our systems, data and people incredibly seriously".

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app!

It added that while usage of TikTok on its corporate devices is still permitted for editorial and marketing purposes, "we will continue to monitor and assess the situation".

The broadcaster has launched multiple pages on the app as it attempts to reach new audiences, and its official account has 4.4 million followers.

ByteDance has long insisted that it does not keep data in China or share it with Beijing.

Source: AFP

Online view pixel