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'No intelligence gathering for China': South Dakota Guv Kristi Noem bans TikTok from all state-owned devices

Kristi Noem signed the order that bans employees and contractors from downloading or using TikTok on any state device

PIERRE, SOUTH DAKOTA: Kristi Noem, governor of South Dakota, announced that the popular social media platform, TikTok, has been banned for her state's agencies due to the "growing national security" as the Chinese application tried to "manipulate the American people, and they gather information off the devices that access the platform." The executive order bans employees and contractors from downloading or using the app on any state device effective immediately. The order prohibits downloading or using the application or even visiting the website on state-owned devices.

The order issued by the Republican governor explains that the move was "in response to the growing national security threat posed by TikTok due to its data gathering operations on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party." Kristi Noem said, "South Dakota will have no part in the intelligence gathering operations of nations who hate us." She continued, "The Chinese Communist Party uses information that it gathers on TikTok to manipulate the American people, and they gather information off the devices that access the platform." Noem continued, "Because of our serious duty to protect the private data of South Dakota citizens, we must take this action seriously. I hope other states will follow South Dakota's lead, and Congress should take broader actions, as well."

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Internet sides with Kristi Noem on TikTok ban

One user praised the decision and wrote, "Kristi Noem has banned TikTok from state devices. This should be done nationwide. TikTok is spyware." Another user tweeted, "Tiktok is, mostly, for entertainment. State employees shouldn't be using state issued devices for entertainment purposes. Which means Netflix and other streaming services should also be banned. I wonder if they are or is this performative."

One user sided with Noem's decision of banning the social media platform and said, "Absolutely I’m in total agreement thats a no-brainer. Makes no sense why a communist Operated company is allowed to infiltrate the USA through media?" Another user wrote, "Gov. Kristi Noem just banned TikTok from state devices. Shouldn’t TikTok be banned from the United States — or does Biden like China spying on Americans?"

One user tweeted, "Yeah I’d say gov officials shouldn’t use an app that is monitored by a foreign rival. We already know CCP intelligence has a department that collects dirt on important people all around the world (wouldn’t be surprised if the CIA did too tho)" Another user tweeted, "Hallelujah @govkristinoem @KristiNoem That should be done 49 more times. It’s a start. Or maybe Congress can take it up? Naw! They don’t have the guts. And what about those alleged Chinese police departments in the US?"

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