The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador is banning the use of the TikTok social media application on all government-managed mobile devices, effective Thursday, March 2, 2023.

The decision to ban the app was based on several risk factors, including TikTok’s data collection methods, which provide almost complete access to the contents of the phone, making those who have downloaded the app more vulnerable to surveillance. Furthermore, there are concerns about the applicable legal regime that governs the information collected.

There have been no reported breaches resulting from the use of TikTok on Government of Newfoundland and Labrador mobile devices.

Quote
“The security of our networks and data is top priority, and we will take all necessary measures to ensure its integrity. This is a proactive step to safeguard the people and data we protect.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

-30-

Learn more
Statement by Minister Fortier announcing a ban on the use of TikTok on government mobile devices

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @DGS_GovNL