BRUSSELS — The European Commission banned staffers Thursday from using the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok on their work devices over security concerns, following similar moves in the United States and a growing standoff between China and the West.
Staff members at the commission have been informed that they must remove TikTok from their official devices, as well as from personal devices that have work-related apps installed.
The decision to restrict access for thousands of employees comes amid growing Western concern about Chinese technology, particularly links between tech companies and the Chinese government and the potential for data harvesting.
In December, Congress banned the app from all federal devices. More than two dozen states have introduced similar bans. The commission’s decision could lead to moves from other E.U. institutions.
In recent months, TikTok has tried to push back, launching a charm offensive in Europe and the United States in a bid to fend off broader bans.
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