Arkansas becomes latest state to ban TikTok on public devices after governor’s directive

Arkansas recently became the latest of a growing number of states to ban the use of the popular social media app TikTok on state devices and networks due to fears of data misuse by the Chinese government.

Under direction from Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Arkansas Division of Information Systems Director Jonathan Askins sent a Dec. 8 memo to state employees prohibiting TikTok on state-owned and issued devices as well as devices connected to the state network.

Hutchinson in a tweet on Friday said TikTok’s data collection practices create a security risk.

Last week, I directed Arkansas DIS Director Jonathan Askins to inform state employees that #TikTok is prohibited on state devices. #TikTok’s data collection practices create a national security risk, and we will continue to ensure our state’s data remains secure. pic.twitter.com/jrs9ezONwv

— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) December 16, 2022

In last week’s memo, Askins said the only exceptions to the policy would be for authorized law enforcement or security purposes.

“On December 2, 2022, FBI Director Christopher Wray warned citizens about usage of TikTok,” Askins wrote. “TikTok’s privacy and data collection policies allow for the capture  of sensitive, personally identifiable information and that data is stored in locations that could be accessed by the Government of the People’s Republic of China for use other than permissions given by the user.”

TikTok is a social media platform used mostly for short entertainment videos. The clips range from pranks, satire and dancing to instructional content and “life hacks.”

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday unanimously passed a bill banning federal employees from downloading TikTok on their work phones. It will be up to the U.S. House whether to send the bill to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.

Arkansas joins more than a half-dozen states that have announced action against TikTok in recent weeks. Florida and Nebraska were the first state’s to ban the app on state devices in 2020.

Askins’ memo came three days after Arkansas Sen. Gary Stubblefield (R-Branch) pre-filed a bill for the 2023 session that would prohibit state employees and contractors from using the controversial app on state devices.