Texas Becomes Latest Red State to Ban TikTok on Govt Devices

Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas, became Monday the latest Republican leader to ban TikTok from state devices. He cited security concerns about the app’s links to the Chinese Communist Government.

“The security risks associated with the use of TikTok on devices used to conduct the important business of our state must not be underestimated or ignored,” Abbott stated in a Statement. He allowed agencies until February 15 to remove the app form any state device. This would also prevent certain business transactions from taking place on personal devices.

Abbott joined Republican governors from Virginia, Maryland and Alabama in banning the Chinese spyware application on government devices. After Republicans had pushed for the legislation through Congress, President Joe Biden signed a TikTok ban against federal devices into law in December.

“It is critical that state agencies and employees are protected from the vulnerabilities presented by the use of this app,” Abbott stated.

This ban announcement was made as the military shot down the Chinese spy balloon that had been flying through the country last week.

The balloon was transported by the military to Quantico, Virginia for inspection. China has Threatened to retaliate United States against the United States for the downing the balloon. It claims it was for “meteorological research.”