CNN
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More than half of all U.S. states have partially or fully banned TikTok from government devices, according to CNN’s analysis.
The accelerating state backlash against TikTok, which has at least 100 million users in the United States, has spread to all parts of the country, even in states ruled by Republicans and Democrats.
Many states have listed TikTok as a target of administrative action, with governors banning the use of the social media platform from government networks and devices. However, some have added other apps with links to China to the banned list, including WeChat and AliPay.
A handful of states are considering legislation to restrict TikTok, mirroring similar efforts at the federal level by US lawmakers.
The move comes amid new security concerns about TikTok’s US user data and concerns it could compromise the Chinese government. Nearly 20 states announced restrictions late last year, amid reports that negotiations between TikTok and the US government over whether the company could continue to offer its services in the US have stalled.
TikTok said a potential national security deal is still under consideration, adding that it believes a reciprocal agreement with federal officials is the best way to resolve its security concerns.
A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement provided to CNN last month about the state’s actions, “So many states are trying to enact policies based on unsubstantiated and politically charged lies about TikTok. I am disappointed that
“Unfortunately, many state agencies, offices and universities in these states will no longer be able to use TikTok to build communities and connect with voters.”
