Banning TikTok (06 Apr 2023)

Dear Colleagues

You may be aware of recent developments regarding the use of TikTok on government devices. The Australian Government moved to ban the use of TikTok on 4 April 2023 as a result of consultation with its key intelligence and security agencies.

Today the Premier has announced that the Tasmanian Government will move to prohibit the installation and use of the TikTok social media application on government-issued devices, following national security advice.

In the interim, it is recommended that you follow advice from the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) when using TikTok:

• do not use it on a phone that can access any official information, for example any Tasmanian Government workplace communication (email clients, MS Teams),
• if a phone does have TikTok installed, keep the phone away from any sensitive conversations,
• remove metadata (such as location information) from photos and videos before uploading them to TikTok.

I want to take the opportunity to reassure you that your safety and security are at the forefront of these decisions, particularly in the fast-paced security landscape we are currently experiencing.

When the time is appropriate to action the Premier’s decision, I will communicate further details with you. For now, stay safe when using your devices, you can find more information on this at www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/individuals-and-families

Best wishes